Egg Donation: Can You Do It More Than Once?
Egg donation is an extraordinary act of kindness that helps individuals and couples who are unable to conceive with their own eggs.
Many donors find this experience so rewarding that they choose to donate multiple times.
However, medical and ethical considerations dictate the maximum number of donations allowed, as well as the necessary time intervals between each cycle.
How Many Times Can You Donate?
In South Africa, egg donation is regulated by Chapter 8 on Artificial Fertilisation of the National Health Act (2003) and the guidelines set out by the Southern African Society for Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy (SASREG). These regulations ensure that the process is ethical, safe, and beneficial for all involved.
The law states that you can donate up to six times or until six live births have resulted from your donations—whichever comes first. In certain exceptional cases, a reproductive specialist may grant permission for additional donations.
This means that while some donors may reach the six-donation limit without reaching six live births, others may be limited by the number of successful pregnancies resulting from their donations—especially in cases where multiple births (such as twins) occur.
Time Between Donations: How Often Can You Donate?
Medical guidelines recommend a waiting period of two to three months between donations to allow your body to recover. This means that a donor could donate up to four times in a year but back-to-back donation cycles without a break are not allowed.
SASREG also requires that donors undergo a psychological assessment before their first donation. If more than a year has passed since their last donation, or if they have experienced significant life changes, a reassessment is necessary before donating again.
Why Do Some Women Donate Multiple Times?
Many women who donate eggs do so out of a deep sense of compassion, wanting to help those struggling with infertility. While the first donation is often motivated by curiosity or a desire to assist, repeat donors frequently describe the experience as profoundly fulfilling.
Here’s what some repeat donors have shared about their experiences:
“This will be my fourth donation. If I could continue, I would, because it’s an incredible feeling to know I’m changing someone’s life.”
“I would donate again in a heartbeat. The experience was amazing, and I love knowing I’ve helped a couple in need.”
“Reaching my donation limit is bittersweet! This journey has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
How Safe is Egg Donation?
Egg donation has been a well-established medical procedure since the 1980s and is now a routine treatment worldwide. Advances in reproductive medicine ensure that the process is safe and minimally invasive, with no surgical cuts, stitches, or scarring.
However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks involved. The limits on how often and how many times a donor can participate are put in place to protect their long-term reproductive health and overall well-being. These safeguards help prevent potential complications and ensure that donors can continue leading healthy lives and have their own children after their participation.
Join the Cape Fertility Egg Donor Program
If you’re considering egg donation, you can become part of Cape Fertility’s professional and supportive Egg Donor Program. Whether you donate once or multiple times, you will be joining a remarkable group of women who have helped bring joy to families longing for a child.
By donating eggs at Cape Fertility, you can rest assured that and you will receive world-class care from our expert team.
To find out more or to apply to donate with us, simply fill in your contact details here or contact us on 066 22 55 003 (WhatsApp) or email donors@capefertility.co.za.
Remember, your information is 100% confidential and will under no circumstances be made available to anybody else. Our team is here to support you every step of the way on this amazing journey!