Egg Donor Medications

Each egg donor cycle involves a carefully timed sequence of medications to help your body safely produce multiple eggs. Below is an overview of the common medications used and what you can expect.

Step 1: Cycle Regulation

Medications

- Birth Control Pills

Purpose

This medication prepares your body for stimulation by suppressing natural hormone production, preventing early ovulation, and syncing your cycle with the recipient’s.

Possible Side Effects

- Headaches
- Mood swings or irritability
- Mild cramping or bloating
- Injection site redness or swelling

Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation

Medications

- Gonal-F or Follistim (FSH – follicle-stimulating hormone)
- Menopur (combination of FSH and LH)

Purpose

These daily injections encourage your ovaries to mature multiple eggs instead of just one.

Possible Side Effects:

- Temporary bloating or pelvic pressure
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue or mood changes
- Rarely, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)

Step 3: Trigger Shot

Medications

- Ovidrel (hCG – human chorionic gonadotropin)
- Lupron may also be used as a trigger in certain cases

Purpose

This shot prepares the eggs for retrieval by triggering final maturation.- Lupron may also be used as a trigger in certain cases

Step 4: Post-Retrieval Recovery

After your eggs are retrieved (typically 36 hours after your trigger shot), you may feel some bloating, spotting, or cramping for a few days. Your clinic will monitor you to ensure a smooth recovery.

Watch for signs of OHSS:

- Rapid weight gain
- Severe abdominal bloating
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting

Although rare, OHSS is manageable when caught early. Your care team will provide specific instructions and contact info for post-retrieval concerns.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Follow your medication schedule exactly as prescribed.
• Ask questions — our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
• Keep all monitoring appointments to ensure your safety and egg development progress.