embryo donation
![A white flower with raindrops on it](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63249acdcafd34297596984a/637795bf6c1e00a32e4c9b0f_AdobeStock_324172634.jpeg)
Where Does Fertilization Occur?
Understanding where and how fertilization occurs will be important in your journey to becoming pregnant when the time comes. Learn all about it here!
You might not be looking to get pregnant right now, but if you’re curious how that actually happens when the time comes, you’re in the right place. It’s incredibly important to understand the actual process of how pregnancy occurs because after all, knowledge is power, right?
But before we jump right into how an egg becomes fertilized, let’s go over the process that happens before fertilization.
The process of fertilization
It all starts with an egg
Females are born with two ovaries that hold millions of immature eggs which all have hopes of one day becoming an embryo, also known as a zygote. Every cycle, a subset of these eggs are ‘recruited’ to the surface of the ovaries and a single egg is selected to grow and ovulate.
At the time of ovulation during the menstrual cycle, a mature egg leaves the ovary and travels through the fallopian tube where it crosses its fingers (metaphorically) that it will meet its potential match. That match being sperm, of course.
Don’t forget the sperm
Unfortunately, it’s not such an easy task for the sperm to get to the egg. This is a part of natural selection, so only the very best will survive. After ejaculation occurs, the sperm begins to travel along the female genital tract with the end goal being to meet the egg.
As we said, this trip isn’t a simple one. As the various sperm make their way to the egg, they’ll be pushed forward with the help of cervical mucus, but the acidic genital environment and immune cells of the woman can cause some sperm to die. It is up to the strongest spermatozoa to make it to the crown and lining of the egg.
When the sperm meets the egg in the fallopian tubes
This is where the real magic happens. Most sperm try to penetrate the egg, but not all make it through. The strongest sperm will make their way through the ovum, but only the fastest will penetrate the egg and actually fertilize.
When the strongest sperm meets the ovum an acrosomal reaction begins which will release enzymes that will eventually dissolve the outer layer of the egg.
They form an embryo
Now that the egg has found a match, within the next few hours, genetic material from the sperm and egg begin to integrate to create a zygote. This zygote holds a double set of chromosomes which is considered a single-cell embryo.
The embryo travels to the uterus
Now that the zygote has formed, it will then begin to make its way through the fallopian tube and into the uterus. Luckily, the lining of the fallopian tube is covered in cilia which helps direct the embryo to the uterine cavity.
Embryo division
Not only does the zygote have an important job of traveling to the uterus but it also begins to divide numerous times in order to become a multicellular embryo which is also known as a blastocyst. The division period starts immediately upon fertilization and can last for up to 3 days. Beyond day 3, the embryo begins to differentiate into two cell types: cells that will one day become the baby, and those that will turn into placenta. This is called a blastocyst stage embryo (from day 5 to 7 post-fertilization).
Implantation in the uterus
When the blastocyst has been established, the embryo must attach to the uterine wall which typically occurs about 6 days after fertilization and is completed around day 9 or 10. Pregnancy is truly achieved once this attachment occurs.
The adherence to the wall is a crucial step as this is where the embryo will receive its nourishment and oxygen from the mother throughout the development of the pregnancy.
How is the sex of the baby determined?
While you may not find out for a few weeks what the sex of your baby is, you may be surprised to know that this is one of the first defining factors of the embryo during natural fertilization. This is thanks to that one sperm that won the race.
A zygote contains 46 chromosomes, half of which come from the mother and the other half from the father. The zygote receives the 46 chromosomes due to the fact that each sperm cell holds 23 chromosomes, as well as the egg nucleus.
However, the egg and sperm carry different types of chromosomes. While an egg cell contains only X chromosomes, a sperm cell contains either an X or Y chromosome. When both cells split off to create their own zygote, you may end up with a girl by obtaining an X from the egg and an X from the sperm (X+X), OR on the contrary, a Y carrying sperm may merge with the egg creating a boy (X+Y).
Where does fertilization occur during IVF, IUI, ICSI, and PICSI?
If you’re having trouble getting pregnant naturally, your doctor may suggest looking into In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) as other methods of conception. However, instead of an egg becoming fertilized within a woman’s body, it occurs in a lab setting.
With the use of healthy mature eggs and sperm to fertilize them, fertilization can occur inside a culture dish. Mind blowing, right? For those that struggle with natural fertilization, IVF, IUI, and ICSI are possible routes to explore.
Throughout the years, these processes have become significantly more advanced and can be a successful way for one to become pregnant. Each process is a little bit different, so it’s important to understand the difference between IUI vs. IVF vs. ICSI.
Learn more about more accessible — even free — egg freezing
Cofertility is a fertility ecosystem that enables women to freeze their eggs for free when they donate half of the eggs to a family that otherwise can’t conceive, providing support and education for everyone involved along the way. Learn more about Freeze by Co!
![Woman on at top of a cliff, looking off to the forest below her, making a peace sign with her right arm in the air.](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63249acdcafd34297596984a/6515d1dc38cf9ffd39f16c1f_Co%20Blog%20main%20photo%20(1).png)
What Does It Mean to Donate Your Eggs?
Egg donation is an incredible way for women to help others fulfill their dreams of parenthood — but you might be wondering, what does “egg donation” actually mean? The process involves several steps, and it’s important to have a rock-solid understanding of what’s involved before moving forward with donating your eggs.
Egg donation is an incredible way for women to help others fulfill their dreams of parenthood — but you might be wondering, what does “egg donation” actually mean? The process involves several steps, and it’s important to have a rock-solid understanding of what’s involved before moving forward with donating your eggs.
In this article, we’ll explore the intricacies of egg donation, why women choose to donate their eggs, dispel common myths about egg donation, and share more about how the Cofertility Split program is a unique approach to egg donation.
How egg donation works
Egg donation is a medical process in which a woman provides her eggs to assist another individual or couple in conceiving a child. This process can be a beacon of hope for those struggling with infertility, same-sex couples, or individuals who cannot use their eggs for various medical reasons, like cancer survivors.
The egg donation process, step-by-step
Screening and matching
As a first step, if you’re interested in donating your eggs, you can apply to Freeze by Co’s programs by answering a few quick questions about yourself. If you qualify, you’ll move on to the full application where you’ll provide some information about your family medical history, genetic background, and motivations for going through the process.
Once you’ve been accepted into Freeze by Co’s Split program — where you can freeze your eggs for free when you donate half of the eggs retrieved to another family who can’t conceive — you’ll immediately join our member community, where you can connect with others at the exact same point in the process, lean on each other, and learn from one another.
As you await your intended parent match, you’ll undergo some bloodwork at a local lab to get an idea of your potential ovarian reserve (or egg count) ahead of time. This helps give everyone the confidence that you’ll get enough eggs to share. Once you match with an intended parent, you’ll then undergo in-person medical and psych testing before moving on to legal contracts, your stimulation cycle, and retrieval.
Donating eggs is a big deal, and not to be taken lightly on either end — so these first screening steps are incredibly important!
Legal
Once you’ve entered into a match with intended parents and you’ve passed your initial physical screening, you will enter into a legal agreement with the intended parents. This document will lay out all specifics regarding your and the intended parents’ rights throughout the process. Specifically, it will note that by donating your eggs, you waive all rights to those eggs and are not considered the parent of any resulting embryos or children.
This contract also provides the opportunity to put into writing your preferences around disclosure and communication, and intended parents will do the same. Ultimately, this is a vital step throughout the process — and at Cofertility, we provide members of our Split program legal counsel to ensure they are represented fairly.
Stimulation and retrieval
Once you’ve been given the green light, you’ll begin your egg donation cycle. During your 10-14 day cycle, you’ll take injectable hormone medications daily to stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple egg-containing follicles. Frequent monitoring via quick blood tests and ultrasounds will ensure that your eggs are reaching peak maturity prior to retrieval. As the eggs mature, you may feel some bloating.
When the eggs reach maturity, a minor surgical procedure known as an egg retrieval is performed under sedation. A specialized needle is used to extract the eggs from your ovaries, and it’s a relatively quick procedure, and you’ll go home that day to get some rest. Your doctor will monitor you closely afterwards and check in after the procedure to ensure there are no complications.
Your half of the eggs will be frozen and safely stored for up to 10 years for free. The other half will go to the family you matched with.
Read more:
So, why would a woman donate her eggs?
There are many reasons why someone might donate her eggs, but the main rationale we tend to hear falls into a few main categories:
- Empathy and compassion: Many women choose to donate their eggs out of a desire to help others experience the joy of parenthood. They want to make a meaningful difference in someone's life and recognize the emotional struggles of those trying to bring children into the world, especially if they know someone first-hand who has faced family-building challenges.
- Ethical considerations: Many egg donors share a strong belief in reproductive autonomy, allowing individuals and couples to make choices about their family-building journey.
- Opportunity to freeze your eggs for free: Egg donation can also offer financial compensation to donors, though the exact amount varies by location and agency. Our Split program instead offers a unique approach, allowing women to freeze their eggs for free when they donate half the eggs retrieved to another family.
Facts and myths about egg donation
When it comes to egg donation, there’s a ton of misinformation out there — let’s dive into some of the big myths you may come across and dissect which ones are fact vs. fiction.
Can you still have kids after donating eggs?
Yes. Donating eggs does not affect a woman's ability to have children in the future. A stimulation and retrieval cycle involves such a small fraction of a woman’s total egg supply, which the body replenishes. That said, it's essential to consider your own family-building goals with a healthcare provider before becoming a donor — which is why we offer our Split program. Those participating in the program are able to preserve a bit of their own fertility while doing something amazing for another family.
Read more in Does Donating Eggs Affect Your Fertility?
Are donor eggs your baby?
Nope. Donor eggs are *not* babies. They are half of the genetic material used for the child of the intended parent(s), with the remaining genetic material coming from the sperm provider (the intended parent or a sperm donor). A donor's contribution is solely the eggs, not the full genetic makeup of the child. And, as mentioned above, as part of the process you’ll sign a legal agreement clarifying that you do not have rights to any embryos or children resulting from these eggs.
Will I experience psychological impact?
Yes — but in a good way! If screened and educated properly (this is a big “if”), anyone donating eggs should have full informed consent about the donation process and everything involved. All egg donors should undergo thorough psychological assessments and have access to counseling before, during, and after the process to ensure their emotional well being.
At Freeze by Co, our model removes cash compensation from the egg donation process (rather, enabling women in our Split program to freeze half of the eggs for their own future use for free). We’ve designed the program to provide Split members with the opportunity to not only preserve some of their own fertility future, but also help another family. This way, everyone involved can feel good about the journey.
Read more in Will I Regret Donating My Eggs?
Donating eggs through Cofertility's Split program
Cofertility's Split program is a unique approach to egg donation that distinguishes itself from traditional methods rooted in cash compensation and icky practices. Our program helps provide everyone — both the person freezing and donating their eggs and the intended parent(s) — with autonomy to grow their family, whether that’s today, or maybe some time in the future.
Members of our Split program get to keep half of the eggs retrieved, plus:
- Free storage of their own eggs in cryopreservation for up to 10 years
- Coverage of all medical costs for the egg donation process
- Connection to the Cofertility community for support all along the way and after too
- The ability to work with the intended parents to decide together what your relationship will look like
If giving your eggs to intended parents sounds like something you would like to do, you may be able to qualify for the free egg freezing process and have your donation process covered too.
Take our quiz to see if you qualify for our Split program today!
We believe that every donor deserves to have a positive and empowering experience, and we are committed to making that a reality. That’s why Cofertility was named one of the Best Egg Donor Programs by Egg Donor Connect.
![Woman in an oversized cream colored knit blanket holding a mug in a room with a big window with lots of natural sunlight](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63249acdcafd34297596984a/66477db5acd1478334677bd3_Co%20Blog%20main%20photo.png)
What’s Recovery Like After an Egg Retrieval?
Consider this your guide to egg retrieval recovery: what to expect, how to prepare, and tips and tricks to make sure your recovery process is as smooth and quick as possible.
I’ll be honest — prior to my first egg retrieval, I was a little bit nervous about the recovery process. Although everyone says it’s pretty manageable, you never know, especially when anesthesia is involved. At the time (this was in 2019), there weren’t a ton of online resources out there to help prepare myself, so I just trusted my fertility clinic and asked around. As a result, my expectations were only somewhat managed. I just didn’t know what I didn’t know. The good news is, it went smoothly and I now have a beautiful son from this cycle.
After reading this article, your experience, hopefully, will be different. Consider this your guide to egg retrieval recovery: what to expect, how to prepare, and tips and tricks to make sure your recovery process is as smooth and quick as possible.
Preparing for an egg retrieval
You’ve already navigated your insurance to afford it (or perhaps you froze your eggs for free with Cofertility); you’ve already started injecting yourself with hormones daily…in hindsight, to me, those were actually the hardest parts, compared to the egg retrieval itself. But when you’re in the thick of it, the thought of an egg retrieval itself can feel kind of scary. Especially if it will be the first time you are under sedation.
Not only might you have concerns about sedation, pain, or recovery, but you also might have some nerves about the finality of it all: how many eggs they’ll retrieve, how many of those will be mature, how many of those might eventually fertilize down the line should you need them…it’s easy to let your mind wander. I get it. I’ve been there, too.
Turns out, my personal retrieval experiences (yes — I did it more than once) actually felt like the best naps I’ve ever had. Honestly, the hardest part was not eating beforehand. If you can help it, see if you can get a time slot as early as possible in the day. The good news is, the retrieval itself is relatively quick (like, 15 minutes quick — though it’ll feel like you slept way longer). Once the sedation wears off, your clinic will likely provide you with some snacks and drinks to get your energy going again. If you’d like to learn more about what an egg retrieval is actually like, we’ve got a whole guide for you.
What to buy for egg retrieval recovery
All of that being said, if you’re a big planner like I am, you might want to know what to buy in advance to make sure your egg retrieval recovery goes smoothly. Since I want you to be your most prepared self heading into your retrieval, there are a few things I’d recommend purchasing beforehand, even if recovery only takes about a day or two.
Egg retrieval recovery essential #1: heating pad
![Fuzzy fabric heating pad that's pink with white flowers](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63249acdcafd34297596984a/664778c443e1f6d7364be17d_q2c-oTQ2PfZhxPS9de5_oBT-a1BGqI5GDdo1Ameea33rGO5RyyXdPiWxsrHp6x4bBLnN5zRrNY5YjFQzh4qsRbY6nNTalplJzkvFGRkWDTgnIDo0GpRsyPPunrWxmhmmyijVBaGV_LivVnechLBYyOc.png)
When recovering from an egg retrieval, a good heating pad is a must. You might experience some cramping, and gentle heat will help make you feel more comfortable. We love the cute daisy pattern on this one and you can control the heat levels manually.
Egg retrieval recovery essential #2: comfy clothes
![Legs with gray sweatants](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63249acdcafd34297596984a/664778c5b8d2cb6bb6040c78_Y_Ug9EOcgzl4U1FnztTf0GynFAAgO8bAUGM7_1ak03f4t5D6vcewF9CRODZRl05vyzwQ9l6gAfJhHZFpc4xRUhBCSC0e3eu_OacZAJwwZE40qbXh4_-Pk9UQEB-x3klusUxISj80pbjrTs7iPflq2us.png)
You probably already have your fair share of PJs, but why not give yourself an extra boost of post-retrieval joy with something new and super soft to lounge in while you get some rest? We love the lightweight jogger fit of these pants and they come in a ton of colors.
Egg retrieval recovery essential #3: supplements and OTC medicines
![Natalist Fiber pill bottle](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63249acdcafd34297596984a/664778c47b797690dde1e629_q_n_dC4aWBSz_kFMQtCxb9f_bN6xUMRZQ7e1z8h3etXvozi8eq7UpL3UuxGTHVmSWHaqyzcUKBxlCqgb4dMLP7THbWodfDjS_wP1NBG2RuSlfEya5mxaGsutME2nKp5G7dWsAi_ohYHa6rRwLBAze10.png)
It’s a good idea to stock up on the following, just in case:
- Fiber or stool softeners: to help you go, since you may experience some constipation or sensitivity in that area (we love this one from Natalist)
- Pain reliever (like Tylenol): for cramping
- Stool softeners: to help you go, since you might be sensitive in that area
- Anti-nausea meds (like antacids): since you might experience a bit of residual nausea afterwards
Egg retrieval recovery essential #4: water bottle
![Purple Owala water bottle](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63249acdcafd34297596984a/664778c49858dd2f1c078810_hBUvE_WpArUJcl3A4CA2KF92atCyqszc8OTGVAOjoONzJbJFjTCKmIlV2b6UnpOLGIw3cQi0-ViP2g0SBVMH631n2cAQPeljqXJ6FUYVBW_CxyRPgZhAkF7GzQzP3r0lmrtdDjn2Tg0XZNFs2WcUGjE.png)
You’ll need all the fluids you can get as you recover from your egg retrieval. We’re going to guess you already have an emotional support water bottle, but if not — now’s the time! We love this Owala version that comes in a bunch of colors. Bonus points if you fill it with something with lots of electrolytes, like coconut water.
Egg retrieval recovery essential #5: pads
![August organic day & night pads](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/63249acdcafd34297596984a/664778c4292786a7018665f9_6dWzwgzNcllaELmJqO01shJjXa45PNyw-UTEWUXKCMnGQXK8ase4GJ5BZmhWXmAw0YBcxF-e7gWWjrw22DD--FP6lRV79sAbmLruGBOsxjdq19LqI3bZozinhoKqI6u_zkUOLG48n0YfaqWXa5WHdLs.png)
Because you may experience some residual bleeding after your retrieval (and since you can’t use tampons for at least a week), we recommend stocking up on some pads. This variety pack from August will keep you covered day and night.
Egg retrieval recovery essential #6: binge-worthy content
Okay, so this isn’t something you necessarily need to purchase, but it’s worth downloading some mindless shows ahead of time so you won’t have to think about what to watch.
What to expect after your egg retrieval
Now that you’ve done all your prep, you might be wondering what your recovery will actually be like. After your egg retrieval is done, you’ll wake up in your clinic’s recovery area as the nurses (and possibly an anesthesiologist) continue to monitor you. Your doctor or nurse will let you know how many eggs were retrieved, and if you’ve sufficiently woken up and are feeling mostly normal, they’ll give you permission to leave as long as you’re accompanied by someone. Note: you will not be allowed to drive yourself.
How long is egg retrieval recovery?
Some people feel completely themselves that day and technically could even go to work, but we do recommend at least a day of rest after an egg retrieval if possible. Some doctors may recommend refraining from heavy exercise for about a week (though walking or light movement is okay), and staying on pelvic rest for that same period — meaning, no tampons or sex. You may also be asked to avoid taking baths or swimming to avoid infection.
Egg retrieval recovery side effects
In general, egg retrieval side effects might include:
- Bloating
- Cramping
- Constipation
- Spotting
Some of the above recommended products, like heating pads and over the counter medicines can alleviate these symptoms. The most important element of egg retrieval recovery, however, is rest. And hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
When to call your doctor
After your egg retrieval, you should feel totally like yourself again within a few days. That said, there are a few red flags to watch out for. If you experience any of the following symptoms, report them to your doctor right away:
- Temperature greater than 101° F
- Persistent, severe nausea and/or vomiting
- Severe abdominal pain or swelling
- Heavy vaginal bleeding (soaking through a pad every hour)
- Painful or difficult urination
- Fainting or dizziness
You’ve got this
Just by reading this article, you’re already very prepared for your egg retrieval. Like I said, knowledge is power — and that’s what we’re here to give you.
If you haven’t yet moved forward with the egg freezing process and you’re interested in learning more about how you can freeze your eggs for free with Cofertility, click here to take our quiz and get started. It just takes a minute.