Today’s blog was written by one of our case managers, Lindsey. What is the typical timeline for a medication cycle and what happens during this period? The average medication cycle […]
Today’s blog was written by one of our case managers, Lindsey.
The average medication cycle for an egg donation is 14 days. Donors will go to a local monitoring clinic where they will have what is called a baseline appointment. At this appointment they will have a trans-vaginal ultrasound and their blood drawn. Results will be back after a few hours and if all tests come back at the levels they should be at, donors will be instructed to start their injectable medication.
A few days later the donor will have one more local monitoring appointment before traveling to the city their retrieval will be in. Travel typically takes place on day 7 of the medication cycle and all further appointments will be at the retrieval clinic.
If the donor will be flying to the retrieval city, the clinic will provide the donor with instructions on packing the medication so they can carry it through security, and provide a letter to show TSA in case there are any issues. Most donors will take a small lunch box with them in their carry on with the medications, syringes, and an ice pack that will be able to keep everything cold for the duration of their travel. All extra medication and syringes can be taken to the clinic with donors at the time of their retrieval, so they have a place to dispose of them and do not have to travel with them again.
Donors should be sure to stay very hydrated during this entire process to avoid constipation, pain, swelling, etc. Many donors have told us many tips and tricks for staying hydrated aside from just drinking water and a few of those include consuming extra protein, prune juice, Liquid IV, and coconut water.
Donors have also told us that they started taking Colace and other stool softeners at the start of medication and not waiting until it becomes an issue after their donation. Everybody is different, but knowing the ways you can help prevent dehydration and constipation is very important and something to think about for current or future donors.
As always, if you ever have any questions or issues during the medication cycle, you can contact your case manager and/or doctor who are there to help you!