What is Ovarian Stimulation in the Egg Donation Process?

If you’re considering egg donation, you may come across the term ‘ovarian stimulation’. Here’s what this actually means when you donate eggs, and why it’s such an important part of the process:

What is ovarian stimulation?

In a normal natural monthly cycle, you usually produce only one mature egg. So to ensure you have a number of eggs to donate, we stimulate your ovaries to encourage more than one mature egg to develop, using proven and safe fertility medications.

Why is ovarian stimulation important for egg donation?

Ovarian stimulation is the most crucial element of the egg donation process, as it determines how many eggs you donate.

We first have to check that you’re suitable for ovarian stimulation and egg donation, as not all women are. So we test your ovarian function and ovarian reserve – the number of eggs you have left - as part of the egg donor application process.

How does ovarian stimulation work?

We use your individual ovarian test results to determine the exact dosage of fertility medications that you’ll need. Your dosage is unique and tailored to you – there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ dosage as each woman responds differently to stimulation.

You’ll take your fertility medications by injection. Our fertility nurses will show you how to do it – and when – and are here to help support and guide you if you’re unsure at any point.

Once you start ovarian stimulation, our clinic team will closely and carefully monitor you, to check you’re responding safely and as expected.

How many eggs will I donate?

Contrary to what you may assume, we don’t actually want you to produce lots of eggs to donate, as this could put your own health at risk and egg quality would be poor - resulting in less chance of successful pregnancy for the person using your eggs.

We focus on the quality, not quantity, of donor eggs and so a good outcome would be to retrieve around eight eggs for donation.

Is ovarian stimulation safe?

Ovarian stimulation can be very safe if a responsible approach is followed by the egg donation clinic and high stimulation protocols – when very high doses of medication are used - are avoided.

The biggest risk associated with ovarian stimulation is when the ovaries ‘overreact’ to fertility medication. This results in a condition called Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS). OHSS is usually mild in nature and resolves on its own, but it can be potentially serious.

At Manchester Donors we effectively minimise your risk of OHSS by using the minimum tailored doses of fertility medications and monitoring you throughout stimulation phase.

We’ll be able to identify if you’re at risk of OHSS and spot even the earliest signs of the condition, to take the necessary action and treatment.

Responsible award-winning egg donation in Manchester & Cheshire

All Manchester Donors egg donors receive consultant-led care. One of our expert fertility specialists will plan every stage of your egg donation journey, to help ensure a safe and positive egg donation experience.

Read more about our personal support, the egg donation process and FAQs including egg donor criteria.

If you’d like to join our award-winning egg donation programme, apply online or have a chat to our friendly Donation Team on 0161 300 2734.