Stage 1: Initial application

You provide basic information about your age, health, lifestyle and availability. This first step helps determine whether it is appropriate to move on to detailed screening.

Stage 2: Medical and family-history screening

You will complete a detailed questionnaire covering your own medical history and the health of close biological relatives. Accuracy matters because the information may be used to assess inherited risk.

Stage 3: Fertility testing and counselling

Screening can include AMH, ultrasound, infectious-disease testing, blood group, genetic testing where indicated and counselling. Requirements vary by clinic and country.

Stage 4: Approval and matching

Some clinics recruit donors for a specific recipient, while others maintain a donor database. Matching may be quick or may take time. Approval does not guarantee that you will immediately begin medication.

Stage 5: Treatment planning

Once a cycle is confirmed, the clinic creates a medication calendar. You receive injection training and instructions about monitoring appointments and what to do if you miss a dose.

Stage 6: Ovarian stimulation

Stimulation commonly lasts around 10 to 12 days, although individual cycles vary. You attend ultrasound scans and sometimes blood tests while the team monitors follicle development.

Stage 7: Trigger and egg collection

When follicles are ready, a trigger injection is timed precisely. Egg retrieval usually follows about a day and a half later (36 hours ) and is performed with sedation or anaesthesia, depending on the clinic.

Stage 8: Recovery and follow-up

Most donors go home the same day. Bloating, cramping and tiredness can occur for several days. Your clinic should tell you what symptoms are expected and what signs need urgent review.

Oocyt perspective

The exact timeline can change, and delays are not necessarily a problem. A safe donor cycle should move at the pace required for proper screening, informed consent and appropriate medical care.