How will egg donation affect my work or school schedule?

Being an egg donor carries responsibilities and commitments. When you are in the cycle, you are expected to refrain from alcohol, smoking, vaping, use of illegal drugs, or use of any prescription or non-prescription drugs without permission. You are also required to abstain from unprotected intercourse during specific weeks in the cycle.

Most appointments with clinics for blood tests or ultrasounds are scheduled early in the morning for the minimum disruption to the work/school schedule of the donors. However, you will need a full day off during the egg retrieval procedure. If travel is required, you will have to take around 5 to 14 days off. Doctor notes can be provided upon request. You need to recognize these responsibilities and arrange your schedule to see if egg donation will impose an effect on your work or school.

Typical workflow (high level)

1. Application + screening: health history, labs, and psychological screening.
2. Matching: preferences and profile selection.
3. Legal + consent: agreement review before medications.
4. Medication + monitoring: clinic-guided injections and frequent appointments.
5. Retrieval + recovery: outpatient procedure with short recovery window.
6. Wrap-up: follow-ups, records, and next steps if donating again.

What can vary (and why)

• Clinic schedules and medical protocols (individualized to the situation).
• State and international legal requirements (especially for parentage workflows).
• Matching preferences and availability (fit matters).
• Insurance and financial structure (coverage details can change).
• Logistics like travel, time zones, and appointment availability.

Questions to ask (so you don’t get surprised later)

• What are the next 2–3 steps in my specific situation?
• What documents or records should I prepare before we start?
• Which decisions should I make now vs later?
• Who will be my primary point of contact during the journey?
• How will we communicate and share updates (email, calls, portal)?
• What are the typical milestones from start to finish?
• What should I expect during screening, medications, and recovery?
• How are privacy and future contact handled?

Next steps

• Egg donor requirements
• Egg donor process
• Apply as an egg donor
• Contact our care team

Important note

This page is educational information only and is not medical, legal, or tax advice. Always confirm specifics with qualified professionals and your care team.

See the sources section below for reference links when available.