Common questions that come up with new donors
Posted in: Resources, 03/14/2019
- What is going to happen at the initial appointment?
- You’ll have a consultation with the doctor, they’ll do a vaginal ultrasound to see how many ovarian follicles you have, and they’ll draw some blood. A small number of clinics will also have you meet with a psychologist and/or genetic counselor, too.
- How long will it take to find out if I’m medically cleared?
- If this is your first cycle, you’ll be having genetic tests done, and those results typically take about two weeks. Sometimes you’ll have genetic tests done even if you’ve cycled before. If you’ve cycled before and the doctor doesn’t need any additional genetic tests done, you could be medically cleared within a few days.
- Do I have to find or pay for my own attorney?
- No. We will refer you to a reproductive attorney with whom we frequently work, and your recipients will pay your legal fees.
- How many monitoring appointments am I going to have?
- Once you’ve started injectable medications, you will likely have between three and six monitoring appointments. You will also have an appointment just prior to med start to confirm that you are ready to begin.
- I really like to exercise. Do I have to stop for the whole cycle?
- To prevent ovarian torsion, your doctor will likely advise you to stop all exercise once you have started the stimulation portion of your cycle. Make sure to ask your doctor or nurse what their recommendation is, and do be certain to follow it.
- For my travel cycle, how long will I have to be away for the retrieval?
- The average is about a week. Some clinics don’t require you to be there for quite so long, but a few do want you there a bit longer.
- What happens if I have complications after the retrieval?
- You will be given a donor insurance card to cover any necessary treatment of complications related to the retrieval. If it is a local cycle, you can call the clinic to ask if they want to see you in their office. If it was a travel cycle and you have returned home, you can make an appointment at your local monitoring clinic.
- Will I find out if my recipients get pregnant?
- Only if it is written into your legal contract that you are allowed access to that information. You can discuss this with your attorney during your contract review.
- When will I get a period after my retrieval?
- Usually within about two weeks. If it takes much longer than that and you are concerned, give your nurse a call to discuss.
- Why do I have to bring a companion with me to my retrieval?
- You will have anesthesia for the procedure, so it’s not safe for you to drive afterwards (nor is it safe to get in a cab alone if you’re not fully lucid). So you are required to have a companion you know and trust who can drive you home. If it’s a travel cycle, your companion will accompany you back to your hotel.