Donating eggs, so that others can become parents, is a life-changing opportunity for both the donor and a potential recipient. It is a true gift of life and it is decision that only a handful of healthy, fertile women between the ages of 19-32 have the unique opportunity to make.
Whatever your motivation is to donate your eggs, it is important to understand the pros and cons. Most women feel 100% happy to be able to donate eggs to a couple that has been unable to conceive, however, there are also some women who will be concerned about how their donation will eventually be used to conceive a child, and how that child will be raised.
At DESA we have a very thorough screening process once your egg donor application form has been approved. As a potential donor, you will go for a medical screening which will include an ultrasound, a psychological evaluation, as well as a blood test. These results will be shared with you immediately.
You will see our psychologist or social worker, as we would like the process to be a fulfilling one, not just for the recipient of your eggs, but for you as well, and it is important at this point to really discuss any fears, concerns or thoughts with our psychologist about donating your eggs. Your full screening as well as counselling, will be done at no cost to you.
Becoming an egg donor:
- You will learn something extremely valuable about your own fertility, which may help you to decide when you want to start your own family.
- Egg donation is a true gift of life, an altruistic act, and we believe that the psychological satisfaction of helping a struggling couple who could not conceive with their own eggs despite all their efforts, is something that will remain with you for life.
- You will receive a free medical screening that will give you full insight into your own medical history (such as genetic disorders).
- You will also receive a free screening for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis.
- No studies to date have determined that egg donation interferes with a woman’s ability to conceive on her own, or whether the process affects fertility.
- You will be compensated R7,000 for your efforts over and above the medical screening and counselling provided, at no cost to you.
However, with any medical procedure, there are are some drawbacks that you need to be aware of:
- Psychologically, it can be difficult for a donor to grasp the concept of contributing to the birth of a baby, but then not having any involvement in the upbringing of the child.
- Egg donation is a surgical procedure and while complications are very rare, there are risks associated with egg donation such as infection, pain, cramping and overstimulation of the ovary, which may alter menstrual cycles.
- You need to take precautions for the duration of the preparation time to avoid conceiving yourself, and it’s advisable to abstain from sex for up to a week after the retrieval.
- You will always have divided opinions from friends, family and the media, so it is important that you seek advice from medical professionals only.
Donating eggs is a selfless and kind act that is a decision only you can make for yourselves. However, giving a the gift of life to parents who have gone through unimaginable pain and loss through their inability to conceive naturally is a blessing that will last a lifetime.
Contact our wonderful Egg Donation Coordinator, Kinny Ramoeng now with any questions you may have about donating your eggs.
Love DESA xx
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