Every couple wants to have their own genetic child; unfortunately some men have no sperm cells in their ejaculate while some women are not able to produce eggs.
The Bridge clinic offers both groups of couple an opportunity of having their own child with the use of donated eggs or sperm.

SEMEN DONOR PROGRAMME:
Potential semen donors are younger men between the ages of 18-40 years, as a pre-requisite for donating semen; an initial semen analysis is carried out to ensure normal and approved semen parameters.
A donor screening which involves (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, VDRL, HB electrophoresis, blood grouping, and HIV antibodies) is carried out to ensure suitability of the semen donor before he is able to start storing semen for use (Freezing).
Samples produced are kept in separate (Quarantine) containers called DEWARS for a period of six months before the donor is invited for a repeat infection screening. At the confirmation of negative results, samples can be kept for 20years while in use.


EGG DONOR PROGRAMME:
Women are born with a fixed pool of eggs, which they gradually deplete with time. This means that there is an age related decline in female fertility. Most women desire children and they may not present for help until it is too late and they may have to consider ovum donation.
Healthy women between the ages of 21-34yrs who do not have genetic disorders or transmissible infection such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV and Syphilis are considered eligible for donating eggs.

There are two options for donating eggs. Either using a known donor or using an anonymous donor. During the known donor programme, the recipient brings the donor. During the anonymous donor programme we carry out egg share scheme. The egg-sharing scheme allows both groups of couple to achieve pregnancy as the egg donor pays 50% of the treatment fee in exchange for donating her eggs to the recipient who makes up for the remaining 50%. The advantage here is anonymity but the disadvantage is that the recipient would have to wait for a long time (Long waiting list) before getting a donor.

The recipient is screened from the point of view of her ability to carry a pregnancy and to exclude the presence of transmissible infection.