Birth Control
If a donor is already on birth control, usually the clinic will try and keep the donor on the same pill unless it is not an approved birth control for this procedure. If a donor is not on birth control, they will be put on it for a period of time. For more information on the side effect, etc. of your birth control, please ask your OB/GYN or read the insert offered to you by the pharmacy.

Lupron (Leuprolide Acetate)
This medication is used to lower the luteinizing and follicle stimulation hormones in the body. It does this by affecting the pituitary gland. This medication is used in a way to help your doctor establish a baseline level or in other words a starting point. This is the first medication given to the donor other than Birth Control.

Possible Side Effects (no long-term side effects have been reported)
-Moodiness/Irritability
-Headache
-Hot Flashes
-Itching Around the Site of Injection for a few minutes

Follicle Stimulating Hormones (FSH or Gonadotropins)
This medication is given to increase the development of ovarian follicles. This is what helps the follicles to grow.

Possible Side Effects (no long-term side effects have been reported)
- Headache
- Moodiness
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Ovarian Hyperstimulation Sydrome is rather rare. Severe OHSS is reported in 1-3% of IVF cases. When this happens the body has over-responded to the FSH and the ovaries become excessively enlarged. This can be uncomfortable so donors are closely monitored to try and avoid this. Treatment for this condition may include hospitalization and a minor procedure.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG or “Trigger shot")
hCG is produced by the human placenta. This shot is given to the donor 36 hours prior to the egg donation retrieval. It is given to prepare the ovaries for the retrieval.

Possible Side Effects (no long-term side effects have been reported)
- Headache
- Moodiness
- Fatigue
- Bloating