What happens during treatment?

Synchronisation of provider and recipient cycles

The treatment involves the synchronisation of the menstrual cycles of the egg provider and the recipient. The provider will receive two types of drugs: An injection to prevent her from ovulating during the treatment cycle called Prostap. This is usually given on the 21st day of her cycle. Approximately 2 weeks later the second drug (Gonal F) is given. This stimulates the ovaries to produce more than one egg. On average Gonal F is taken for around 12 days. During this period the response is monitored with brief visits to the Centre when ultrasound scans of the ovaries are performed. When the eggs are mature you will be told to have an injection in the late evening (Ovitrelle injection) and the egg collection is performed 37 hours later. Apart from the Prostap injection all the other injections are self-administered using a pen device. This is a device to give a small injection under the skin similar to that used by diabetics to give themselves insulin.

While the provider is receiving this treatment the recipient is receiving injections and tablets to make the lining of her womb develop at the same rate as the providers eggs are maturing.