Egg Donation - Following Your Embryo Transfer

Egg Donation - Main Page

You will start progesterone support the day before egg retrieval and continue it through the first pregnancy test. The progesterone is taken in the form of the intramuscular injection and vaginal capsules. We will provide you the prescription for this medication and will teach your partner how to administer these daily injections.

Follow-up Blood Tests and Appointments

You will need to return for a blood test (pregnancy results) approximately 13-15 days after egg retrieval. We prefer to do this test in our laboratory. Arrangements can be made by patients who live outside the area to have their blood drawn in their home town. You will be called that afternoon with the results of the test.

If you are pregnant, we will repeat the test again two days later and then make follow up ultrasound appointments. If you are not pregnant, we recommend a follow up call or appointment with your doctor to discuss future plans, and to answer questions. You may also want to make a follow up appointment with our counselor to put “emotional closure” on the cycle and to help you facilitate planning and decision making.

Diet and Activity

The procedures and requirements outlined can be stressful and emotionally draining. During a recipient cycle, there are no restrictions on activity except as stated immediately after the embryo transfer. There are no limitations on food except for the requirements for the donor immediately preceding the egg retrieval. We advise daily prenatal vitamins and a good general diet throughout. Please have small frequent meals, plenty of fluids, no smoking, drinking or medications unless discussed with your MD. We ask you to refrain from sexual intercourse for two days prior to egg retrieval and for two weeks after the embryo transfer or until the first ultrasound of pregnancy.