Easter may be over but eggs are still a point of conversation – female egg cells that is.
For those women who have considered donating their eggs, it is important to know what the process entails.
Prof. Thinus Kruger, from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Stellenbosch University and the head of the Tygerberg (Aevitas) In Vitro Fertilisation group, says it is much more intense than sperm donation.
The marketing manager of Vitalab Fertility clinic in Johannesburg, Calista Hardwick, says many donors are unaware of what it entails. “It is a whole process and cycle that we need to follow.”
Donors do two weeks of hormone injections which make their bodies produce two eggs instead of one. They then go through the egg-retrieval procedure where they are under conscious sedation – “which is basically a deep sleep,” Hardwick says – where a fine needle pricks each ovary to retrieve the eggs.
“It is a very safe procedure. Pain is perhaps the most common complaint but that can easily be handled,” Prof. Kruger says.
Women must be healthy, drug-free and have a certain Body Mass Index if they wish to become egg donors. PHOTO: Kara van der Berg
Donors in South Africa can expect to be paid between R7000 and R10 000 for their eggs. “With overseas donations, the amount can be upwards of R20 000,” Hardwick states.
This is what is referred to as “cross border donations”. Donors are taken to countries like Mexico and India and are paid in dollars. Some medical practitioners and law-makers are worried about this as they are not certain of the credentials of those performing the procedure or if donors are being looked after properly.
“They are not always medical professionals who take girls to other countries,” Hardwick adds.
Catherine Warr, an attorney who specialises in reproductive law, points towards the law on this. “Only a medical practitioner registered in terms of the Health Professions Act and who specialises in this particular area may withdraw an ovum from an egg donor.”
South African legislation does not yet state anything regarding cross border egg donations. “The legislation is trying to cover it and cover it adequately. It is not something that is actually being monitored to that degree and it is still happening regularly,” says Hardwick.
Egg donors can receive up to R7000 for their eggs. This price is much higher in other countries. PHOTO: Kara van der Berg
There are certain requirements that potential donors must meet if they wish to donate their eggs. “Good health, no drugs or smoking and good family history,” says Prof Kruger.
Hardwick adds: “Donors must be between 18 and 32. Universities are ideal locations; we know that everyone is the right age, they are not earning money yet and they have more flexible schedules to come for appointments.”
“Donors have a choice,” says Prof Kruger. “To help someone is a wonderful act and it is satisfying to know you’ve helped someone.”