After successful completion of genetic and psychological screening, the egg donor takes injections of fertility medications for roughly 8-12 days to help more eggs mature than would normally in a menstrual cycle. Donors are monitored throughout stimulation via hormone blood tests and vaginal ultrasounds to determine how well the medication is working and if the dosage is accurate. These tests typically require a minimum of 4 morning office visits. Once it is determined that the eggs are mature, the eggs are collected by inserting a thin ultrasound guided needle through the top of the vagina and into the ovarian follicle. The egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure performed under anesthesia and takes approximately 20 minutes.