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Egg collection and fertilisation

You will be given an approximate idea of the date that the donor’s egg collection will be performed 2 weeks beforehand but you may only find out the exact date 48 hours before. During this 2 week period you will need to have one or more ultrasound scans to monitor how the lining of your uterus is developing. This information enables us to tailor your response to that of the donor and modify your drug treatment accordingly.

The male partner of the egg recipient is asked to produce a sperm sample on the morning of the egg collection. This would normally need to be produced in the Clinic. The donated eggs are then mixed with the sperm. Fertilisation of the eggs takes place over the next 24 hours and the embryos would normally be ready for transfer to your uterus three days after egg collection.

We have a strict protocol for the sharing of the eggs between donor and recipient

If 6 or more eggs are collected they will be equally divided between the donor and recipient. In the event of an uneven number the donor will receive the extra egg.

The embryologist will make the decision as to which eggs each party will receive and will use his or her best endeavours to ensure that the quality of the eggs will be evenly divided

If fewer than 6 eggs are obtained the donor will be given the option of using all the eggs herself. In this circumstance your treatment could be cancelled at the last minute. This is a legal obligation on all Clinics offering egg sharing.

You should also be aware that an egg donor may withdraw or vary consent in respect of any embryo created using her eggs at any time until that embryo is used for treatment or research.