Step 1: Submit an Application and Begin Initial Screening: Enclosed is an application with a medical and genetic history form necessary for admittance to the program. Please return the application with a recent photo of yourself, a copy of your driver's license and insurance card (if applicable). Upon acceptance, SPCT will develop your confidential profile and contact you for an initial screening appointment.

Step 2: Profile Selection by a Couple: Once you have been selected by a recipient couple a contract will be sent to you. We must have this form signed and returned to our office before you can begin the process (Note: Program completion, once you have been selected is usually 6 to 8 weeks.)

Step 3: Psychological Evaluation: You will be scheduled for a psychological evaluation. The purpose of this meeting is for the psychologist to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the program. This appointment can be scheduled in your area at your convenience.

Step 4: Initial Physical: It is necessary for each donor to attend an initial physical and consultation with the recipients doctor. (Note: Travel may be necessary depending on where the recipient's doctor is located. Out of town travel is usually limited to only two visits and at NO expense to the donor.) The meeting generally consists of a routine pap smear and blood test. The doctor and nurse will estimate an expected timeline for your medications and retrieval.

Step 5: Medications and Monitoring: You will be responsible for taking two different medications, both of which are INJECTIABLE (shots). Most donors report administering these shots with no discomfort. The nurse will show you how to administer the shots. It will be necessary to attend doctor appointments in order to monitor the process of the medications. They are usually short appointments, that must be scheduled in the morning, and often consist of a blood draw or sonogram. These appointments can be completed in your area with a monitoring physician.

Step 6: Medications:
Leuprolide Acetate (Lupron)- is a commonly know gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist. It is administered daily by injections. GnRH stimulates the pituitary to produce two natural gonadotropins: Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH). The administration of the GnRH agonist, Lupron affects the pituitary gland in such a way so as to
initially result in an increased production of both LH and FSH for a period of about 7 to 10 days. A dramatic and sustained drop in biologically active LH and FSH production follows, so long as Lupron is administered. High LH levels have been shown to interfere with the action of fertility drugs. Therefore by suppressing LH administration with Lupron, it is far less likely that a woman will respond adversely to fertility hormones. Lupron is also useful in the treatment of several hormone disorders such as endometriosis, uterine fibroid and prostate disease in men.

Follitropin Alpha, Follitropin Beta (Common Brands of Gonal F and Follistim)- are genetically engineered drugs which prepare the body for ovulation. These medications are used for ovarian stimulation, making it possible for your body to produce multiple mature follicles, rather that the single egg normally developed each month. The fertility medication is administered by daily injection, and a response is generally evident after 10 to 14 days. The doctor will monitor the ovarian response and time the administration of the final medication. Human Chorionic Gonadotropins (hCG)- is given to stimulate ovulation. A hCG shot is administered 36 hours before the retrieval (this is the only shot that is inter-muscular and who administers it varies with doctors).

Risks: The doctor must adjust the dose of the ovarian stimulants so as to achieve a satisfactory number of eggs reaching maturity, but not to the extent that the ovaries become excessively enlarged. Excessive stimulation may cause a collection of fluid in the abdomen and even in the chest cavity, resulting in Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. Even under excellent monitoring, a patient may have a surprisingly quick response to stimulation. The cycle is sometimes canceled for this reason.

Mild to moderate hyperstimulation usually manifests itself in pelvic discomfort, abdominal bloating and modest weight gain. It is usually self-limiting. The more severe form of hyperstimulation demands medical intervention. Although it is a rare occurrence severe hyperstimulation in it's most extreme form can be life threatening.