Navigating the journey of IVF with an egg donor and a surrogate can feel like a maze, especially if you’re just starting to explore your options. To help you understand what to expect, let’s break down a typical timeline and the main steps involved.
Who Needs IVF with an Egg Donor and Surrogate?
The first step for intended parents is determining their specific needs. While some might pursue traditional IVF, others may need additional help for various reasons. Common scenarios include:
- Women with low ovarian reserves who can’t carry a pregnancy.
- Single dads wanting to become parents.
- Members of the LGBTQ+ community looking to start a family.
- Women or transgender men who have undergone a hysterectomy (removal of uterus and ovaries).
- Individuals with certain genetic conditions requiring third-party support.
Once you’ve identified your path, a fertility clinic can provide a clearer timeline for what lies ahead. Here’s a high-level overview of the typical IVF process using an egg donor:
General IVF Timeline with an Egg Donor
The entire process from selecting an egg donor to creating embryos generally takes about 3 to 6 months.
- Choose Your Egg Donor: Finding the right match can be daunting, but resources like our in-house donor agency, Bright Beginnings, can guide you. All candidates are pre-approved by IVF specialists.
- Semen Collection: After selecting a donor, you’ll need to provide semen for embryo creation. This can be collected fresh or frozen for later use.
- Egg Donor Medical Screening: Once matched, the donor undergoes a series of medical tests, including a health history review, physical exam, and blood tests. Results usually take 14-21 days. If everything checks out, she’s ready to proceed.
- Legal Contract for the Egg Donor: You’ll work with a reproductive attorney to establish a legal agreement with the donor. This step could take weeks to months, depending on the legal specifics.
- Egg Retrieval Stimulation Cycle: This phase typically lasts 10-14 days, starting with medication for ovarian stimulation until the egg retrieval procedure.
- Fertilization and PGT Testing: After fertilization, you’ll receive a report the next day. The embryos are cultured for 5-7 days, biopsied, and sent for preimplantation genetic testing (PGT). Final results take an additional 1-2 weeks.
General Timeline When Using a Surrogate
- Choose a Surrogate: Finding the right surrogate can take time, so it’s advisable to start looking as soon as possible. Our agency can assist you in this process.
- Surrogate Medical Screening: Similar to the egg donor, the surrogate undergoes medical tests to ensure she’s a strong candidate. Results typically take 10-14 days.
- Legal Contract for the Surrogate: An attorney will help set up the legal agreement, which can take a few weeks to months.
- Preparing for the Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET): The FET cycle varies but usually occurs between days 19-21 of the surrogate’s menstrual cycle. A pregnancy test follows about 10 days post-implantation.
If you’re interested in understanding more about the IVF process, this is one of our other blog posts that provides valuable insights. For further resources, visit WomensHealth.gov for excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination. If you’re considering at-home options, check out Make a Mom for a comprehensive kit that could help you on your journey.
In summary, while the journey of IVF with an egg donor and surrogate can seem overwhelming, breaking it down into manageable steps can make it more approachable. With the right support from experienced professionals, it can become a fulfilling path to parenthood.