Nurture Egg Donor Program
Fertility Medication Used in Egg Donation
Fertility medication used in an Egg Donation cycle: Typical medications used.
While each fertility clinic uses individualised treatment plans for their egg donors and recipients, there are 4 main types of fertility medication used in an egg donation cycle.
These medications are copies of the natural hormones that your body produces during your normal monthly cycle. They have been used safely for decades all across the world.
| Type of medication | Brand names | Function | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-dose contraceptive pill | Various | To suppress the ovaries & keep the resting egg follicles quiet / inactive, & to synchronise donor & recipient cycle | Between 2-3 weeks, prior to egg retrieval |
| Progesterone* | Provera | To prevent premature or early ovulation | Between 10-15 days |
| Cetrorelix* | Cetrotide | To prevent premature or early ovulation | Between 3-5 days |
| Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) | Gonal F Pergoveris Menopur | To grow and mature the eggs. | Between 10-12 days |
| Leuprolide | Lucrin Lupron | To safely ‘trigger’ or mature the eggs to be ready for egg retrieval | Once off |
* Note: Some clinics use progesterone to prevent early ovulation, while other clinics use Cetrotide to prevent early ovulation.
Side effects of fertility medication:
The fertility medication used during an egg donation cycle is safe to use, and you will be monitored closely throughout your donation to ensure you remain healthy. Most donors go through a donation cycle without any side effects, while others report mild temporary side effects such as: headaches, irritability, nausea or bloating. These side effects are temporary and will resolve after egg retrieval.
The fertility medication will not make you gain weight, nor should it cause you to have a breakout/acne.
If you have questions or concerns about the fertility medication, please reach out to us, and we will gladly answer your questions.