*The authorities of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, raise concerns about ‘organised recruitment’ by individuals, groups and agents for participation of female students across tertiary institutions in the country, as egg donors for In Vitro Fertilisation procedures, warning of health and safety implications in donors, including concerns about future fertility

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

In a bid to educate and warn against possible health implications, the Management of the University of Ibadan, Ibadan (UI), in Oyo State, have raised concerns about the growing trend of the “organised recruitment” by individuals, groups and agents for participation of female students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria as egg donors for In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) procedures.

绿帽献妻 reports Dr. Aderonke B. Ajayi, Director of Health Services at UI, who noted this in a recent internal memorandum titled, 鈥淗ealth Advisory on Egg Donation鈥�, and dated April 15, 2025, that egg donation offers a beacon of hope for couples struggling with infertility.

What is IVF?

In Vitro Fertilisation, in medical terms, refers to a fertility treatment where 鈥渁 woman’s eggs are fertilised with sperm outside of the body, in a laboratory, before being transferred to her uterus.鈥�

In vitro means “outside the body”; so IVF essentially, involves creating an embryo outside of the female’s reproductive system.

It is also described as 鈥渁 form of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) used to help individuals or couples conceive when they are experiencing fertility challenges.鈥�

This, a report noted, can be an effective option for various reasons, including blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, male infertility, or unexplained fertility problems.

Dr. Ajayi, however, said exploiting it as a reliable source of income, or a casual means of income has potential health and safety implications on the donors, including concerns about future fertility.

Regretting the increasing trend, the UI Director of Health Services, in the health advisory emphasised that indiscriminate egg donations raise ethical and health concerns that warrant careful consideration by students, parents, educational institutions, and regulatory bodies in the country.

In acknowledging the altruistic aspect of helping infertile couples, Dr. Ajayi also stated that the potential health risks and the lack of clarity on the long-term effects of egg donation practice necessitate a more informed and cautious approach.

The University also said: 鈥淚t has come to our attention that there is a growing trend within the University community involving the participation and/or recruitment of female students as egg donors for In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) by individuals, agents, or agencies.

鈥淲hile egg donation has brought hope to many families struggling with infertility, it is important to note that it should not be considered a permanent source of income or an alternative 鈥榮ide hustle鈥�.”

Some health risks in egg donations

The expert further explained: 鈥淓gg donation involves the use of hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries.

“This process carries several short-term risks, including abdominal pain, breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS), infection and bleeding, ovarian torsion, potential injury to the bladder, nearby blood vessels, and bowel and psychological distress.鈥�

The health advisory as well disclosed that reports from some donors suggest potential long-term health consequences, including loss of fertility.

It also stated: 鈥淚t is important to note that current research is still inconclusive regarding who is medically safe to donate, how many times donation can safely occur, and the ideal interval between donations.”

Quoting expert recommendations, the advisory noted, 鈥淒o not donate more than three times in a year.

“Always choose a reputable clinic that adheres to established guidelines and prioritises donor safety.”

Dr. Ajayi stated: 鈥淲hile current evidence does not conclusively link egg donation to an increased risk of cancer, the lack of extensive long-term studies means that potential risks cannot be entirely ruled out.

鈥淲e strongly advise all students to seek professional medical advice before considering egg donation.

“Your health and well-being are paramount, and decisions made today should not lead to regret in the near or distant future. Stay informed. Stay safe.鈥�

On education, public awareness about egg donations

In a related development, fertility experts generally point to significant benefits of egg donation for women facing specific fertility challenges, particularly younger women who have experienced premature ovarian insufficiency or depletion of their eggs.

The experts stress that egg donors are typically recruited through regulated, registered and reputable donor agencies that conduct thorough screening processes.

It is noted that such established channels ensure a level of oversight and adherence to ethical and medical standards, such as informed consent and regulated recruitment channels, with the focus on reimbursing legitimate expenses, such as travel and check-ups rather than direct payment for eggs, Vanguard report said.

In the view of a prominent Abuja-based obstetrician and fertility expert, Dr John Ekeani, continuous education and awareness about egg donation remain critical.

Ekeani said: 鈥淚t is often advised that girls should not donate their eggs more than five times in their lifetime, so as not to have many offspring of the same genetic constitution in the country, or in the world.

鈥淚t is often advised that women should not go beyond this number, as this restriction helps to protect them from being overly exposed to anaesthetic drugs, IVF medications and the side effects that follow.”

The medical expert also opined: 鈥淎nother issue that comes up in egg donation is that the egg donors often use the number of eggs recruited per cycle to donate those eggs. During every cycle, every woman loses eggs.

鈥淭he concept of egg donation uses those lost eggs to be saved in an IVF egg donation cycle, so actually speaking, some people have termed egg donation as egg salvation, not egg loss.”

Ekeani asserted: “Egg donation does not cause you to lose your eggs in excess of the prescribed amount of times for donating eggs.”

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