Jazmine
July 14, 2026
This video series follows a Donor Nexus egg donor through one donation cycle, from her medical screening appointment to the day after her egg retrieval. She filmed each step of her cycle, and the full transcript of her videos appears below.
If you are thinking about donating, it shows what the egg donation medications, monitoring and retrieval day look like from a donor's point of view. For the full timeline, see how long the egg donation process takes, or watch another donor's cycle in our video series by a four-time donor.
The short answer
A cycle day for this egg donor meant early morning appointments, evening injections for about nine days, a trigger shot at an exact time, and a retrieval of about 30 minutes under IV sedation.
She was back at her desk job the day after retrieval. Every donor's schedule and response are different.
For a quick visual, this short video shows a week in an egg donor's cycle.
Follow me through my journey of being an egg donor!
Part 1: prescreening
8:30 AM: I just got to my medical screening appointment, and the first step is to do a urine sample.
This is what a typical pre-screening appointment will look like:
Vaginal ultrasound wand, ultrasound gel, and ultrasound image display where you will see your antral follicle count. Pro tip: Wear a dress or a skirt.
9:45 AM: I just got done with my medical screening appointment and completed all the blood work. Common tests performed are:
- AMH
- Infectious disease screenings
- Drug test
- Pap smear
- Physical exam
- Blood type
- Carrier screening
- Ovarian reserve testing
Fun fact: Doctors recommend that you don’t drink any caffeine while on medications. So, I had to squeeze in my last cup of coffee!
About 3 weeks later: I just found out that I’m medically cleared to proceed. Part of the wait time was to see if the intended father and I were genetically compatible and luckily we were. Genetically compatible means that we don’t carry the same gene, meaning the child will not be affected.
10:00 AM: I just got to my baseline appointment. We are going to do an Estradiol and Progesterone blood test and another vaginal ultrasound. So, I’ll keep you guys updated!
I just got done with the blood work, we’ll find out the results later today and I’m back in the ultrasound room.
11:45 AM: I just finished my baseline appointment and my nurse gave me my medications in case I do start injections tonight. She also did a med teach with me so I can be knowledgeable when it is time to begin. I currently have them in a cooler so I will show you when I get home! Here’s a sneak peek of my injection medications.
Part 2: medications
Trigger warning: This video contains footage of needle injections. All medications are prescribed by an IVF physician.
I am officially cleared to start medications. I will be taking 200 units of Follistim® and 75 units of Menopur®. This is what my cycle calendar currently looks like. It is subject to change based on my response to the medications.
Here is a chart of the different types of medications you can take during your cycle. Option 2 is a list of medications I am taking. I have to refrigerate the Follistim® and my Lupron® trigger. I was told I can take my injections any time from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM but I have to take it consistently. I chose 8:00 p.m. (Pro tip: Set an alarm on your phone as a reminder!) Here is everything that I need to take my Menopur® and my Follistim®. The clinic gave me tips on how to prevent OHSS, so I went grocery shopping. I got protein shakes, chicken, bananas, and water.
Post 4 days of medications:
I’ve taken 4 days of medications and I’m reacting very well. They’ve asked me to gradually decrease my Follistim® dosage and I will also be starting Ganirelix® tonight. I don’t feel bloated but I will keep you updated. Here is everything I need to take my Menopur®, Follistim®, and Ganirelix®.
Post 6 days of medications:
I’ve now completed 6 days of medications and I do feel a little bloated but the doctor said that's normal. All my follicles are growing nicely. They are going to decrease my Follistim® just a little bit. I have a couple more check-ups to go but I will keep you updated when it’s time to trigger.
Post 9 days of medications:
I just got confirmation that I will be doing my trigger injections tonight. These are the last and most important injections. I will be doing a combo trigger and it has to be done at exactly 7:20 PM tonight. Just a quick tip: Always set an alarm for your trigger injection. I set mine 5 minutes before and 1 minute before so I have time to prep my injections. It’s super important to take the trigger shot at the exact time as instructed. Typically, your egg retrieval will be 32-36 hours after your trigger shot.
Part 3: egg retrieval
Day before egg retrieval day
Last night, I took the most important injection of my cycle, which is the trigger shot. My egg retrieval is scheduled for 7:20 a.m. tomorrow. My friend will be here later tonight to drive me to and from my egg retrieval tomorrow and stay with me after. The clinic has asked me to remove my nail polish because during my surgery I will have something on the end of my finger to read my oxygen level and nail polish or fake nails would block that.
Egg retrieval day
5:00 AM:Here is my comfy outfit for my surgery.
6:00 AM: Here’s a bag for my personal belongings, a cap for my hair, some socks, and two gowns to cover my front and back sides, and a warm blanket. Here is what my recovery room looks like.
I am now being prepped for my IV sedation.
1 hour later:The egg retrieval took about 30 minutes and I think I stayed asleep for about 30 minutes after. Now, I just have to go home, rest, and drink plenty of water and electrolytes.
Day after egg retrieval day:
I’m going to work right now. Here is an update on my bloating. For my job, I’m mainly sitting down all day so I was able to come to work today. It’s very important that you listen to your own body and take it as easy as possible.
Thank you for following me along my egg donor journey!
To see the full list of egg donor requirements and how compensation works, visit our become an egg donor page, and when you're ready, you can start your egg donor application online.
Frequently asked questions
What happens at an egg donor screening appointment?
In this donor's videos, her screening visit included a urine sample, a vaginal ultrasound to see her antral follicle count, and bloodwork such as AMH, infectious disease screening, blood type and carrier screening, along with a drug test, Pap smear and physical exam.
How long after the trigger shot is egg retrieval?
Egg retrieval is typically 32 to 36 hours after the trigger shot. The donor set alarms so she could take her trigger at the exact time her clinic gave her.
How long does egg retrieval take?
Her retrieval took about 30 minutes under IV sedation, and she rested for about 30 minutes afterward. She went to work the next day because her job is mostly sitting.
Medical disclaimer
These videos show one donor's experience and are general information, not medical advice. Medications, doses and timing are set by each donor's IVF physician, so follow your own clinic's instructions.
California egg donor disclosure
Egg donation involves a screening process. Not all potential egg donors are selected. Not all selected egg donors receive the monetary amounts or compensation advertised. As with any medical procedure, there may be risks associated with human egg donation. Before an egg donor agrees to begin the egg donation process, and signs a legally binding contract, she is required to receive specific information on the known risks of egg donation. Consultation with your doctor prior to entering into a donor contract is advised.
Related reading
Jazmine
Jazmine is a Case Manager at Donor Nexus, where for the past three years she has coordinated cycles for both egg donors and intended parents. She knows this journey personally as well, having completed five egg…
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