Information on the egg donation program at the
The first IVF pregnancy was described in 1978 in England and the first pregnancy through egg donation in Australia in 1984. In 1986 we had our first pregnancy with egg donation, which was also the first pregnancy after egg donation in South Africa. It was a twin pregnancy and went successfully to term. Since then egg donation is a routine treatment at our clinic like IVF and ICSI.
Who needs egg donation ?
Women - who are menopausal?
- Are not falling pregnant after repeat IVF treatments
- Who are not responding to the drugs used in IVF
- Whose ovaries have been removed surgically or who have undergone chemotherapy and ovaries are not functioning
What are the pre-conditions for a recipient of donor eggs?
She must be healthy and have a normal uterus
How old can the recipient of donated eggs be?
Our oldest patient on the egg donation program, who successfully went to term with her pregnancy, was 54 years old. In principal there is no age limit.
What does the treatment look like?
For the recipient of donor eggs the treatment is quite simple. If she has a normal menstrual cycle, it has to be suppressed with drugs (GnRH agonist) to be synchronised with the donor cycle. This treatment usually starts at least a week before the period. The lining of the womb is then prepared for implantation using Estrogens tablets in rising doses and the circulation in the womb is improved with Mini Aspirin.
With the ovulation of the donor Progesterone either as a pessary or as vaginal pills is added. The eggs are taken out of the donor and fertilised with the recipient’s husband’s sperm. 3 – 5 days later the embryos are transferred into the recipients uterus, which is a painless procedure, similar to a PAP smear. The recipient then has to rest for 4 hours in hospital and another 2 days at home. The first pregnancy test can be done 10 days after the embryo transfer. In case implantation is successful, the medication has to be continued up to about the 10th week of pregnancy. It is of extreme importance, that this hormonal medication is taken all the time and regularly until the doctor can wean you off.
How long is the waiting list for egg donation?
At the moment there is no real waiting list for this procedure and treatment usually commences within 2 months after the first contact.
Are donors matched?
We would like a photo from you. We will then match a donor to you and give you her background, education, hobbies etc.
If you are happy we will start treatment.
How old are egg donors and how are they selected?
Most of our egg donors are between 20 and 30 years old and students of the local university. We take a careful history of the donor especially concerning any inheritable diseases e.g. asthma, diabetes. If all that is fine blood is taken for HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B and on request for any other communicable disease. The donors must be healthy and have a regular menstrual cycle.
The “Human Tissue Act” of 1993 regulates all gamete donations and the procedure is legal in this country.
At the moment (Mai 2003) one treatment cycle with egg donation will cost about 15 – 20 000 Rand all-inclusive. If ICSI is needed the price will increase by 2500.-Rand. The freezing of embryos is not included ( 750 Rand for 8cells and 1500 Rand for blastocysts plus 30Rand/month)
Medical treatment in Cape Town is of world standard and the pregnancy rates in our clinic are comparable to those of the “developed world” (>50% for egg donation)
In addition Cape Town is a well-known holiday destination and has lots to offer to its visitors. Beaches, mountains, the Wine lands and the famous waterfront. You won’t be bored here and the sunshine is for free.
More information on Cape Town you will find on the following websites:
We speak English, French, German and Flemish
We have several self-contained apartments within walking distance of the clinic. They are fully equipped with microwave, fridge, dishwasher, colour TV etc (240. -Rand/night) There is also one apartment in the quaint fishing village of Kalk Bay with beautiful sea view ( 350.-Rand/night). There are also several hotels nearby like the Holiday Inn (600 Rand/night) and the Vineyard Hotel (900 Rand/night). Other hotels we can organise (e.g. Serenite Health Spa)
Important numbers:
Dr.K.Wiswedel
Office 27 21 6742081
Home 27 21 790 8123
Cell 27 82 7748494
e-mail organicw@iafrica.com
Website www.capefertility-clinic.co.za
