Egg donation clinics in Nigeria

Egg donation has become an integral part of assisted reproductive technology (ART) in Nigeria, offering hope to many individuals and couples facing fertility challenges. This process involves a woman, known as the donor, providing her eggs to assist another person or couple in achieving pregnancy. The increasing demand for egg donation services has led to the establishment of numerous clinics across the country, each offering specialized services to meet the unique needs of their clients.

Understanding Egg Donation

Egg donation is a procedure where a donor undergoes ovarian stimulation to produce multiple eggs, which are then retrieved and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryos can be transferred to the recipient’s uterus or frozen for future use. This method is particularly beneficial for women who are unable to conceive using their own eggs due to factors such as advanced age, premature ovarian failure, or genetic disorders.

Prominent Egg Donation Clinics in Nigeria

Several clinics in Nigeria specialize in egg donation and other fertility treatments. Here are some notable ones:

1. Fertigold Fertility Clinic

Established in 2017 and located in Lagos, Fertigold offers a range of services, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy, sperm and egg freezing, and donor gamete services. The clinic boasts a high success rate and is equipped with modern technology to enhance treatment efficacy. Their team comprises experienced gynecologists and embryologists trained both locally and internationally.

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2. Newlife Conceptual Limited

This organization focuses on connecting egg donors with individuals or couples seeking assistance. They have specific criteria for donors, including age restrictions (21-27 years), a healthy body mass index (BMI), non-smoking status, and no history of genetic disorders. Donors are compensated for their time and commitment, and the organization emphasizes the importance of helping others achieve parenthood.

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3. Shiloh Fertility Clinic

Based in Lagos, Shiloh Fertility Clinic provides various assisted reproductive services, including egg donation. They adhere to guidelines set by the Federal Council of Medicine, which outline protocols for assisted reproduction, such as age limits for treatment and regulations on gamete donation. The clinic emphasizes ethical practices and patient education throughout the process.

4. Oshun Fertility

Oshun Fertility values the contributions of egg donors and ensures they have a positive experience. Donors are supported by Program Coordinators who guide them through the entire process, from application to egg retrieval. The clinic has specific eligibility requirements for donors, including age, health status, and lifestyle factors. They also provide legal agreements to protect the rights of all parties involved.

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5. MOM Fertility Clinic

Located in Abuja, MOM Fertility Clinic offers egg donation services among its fertility treatments. They provide support for individuals and couples looking to start a family through assisted reproductive technologies.

6. Regenesis Fertility Specialist Hospital

Situated in Ikeja, Lagos, Regenesis offers donor-assisted reproduction services, including egg and sperm donation. They have a selection process for donors, ensuring they meet specific criteria to provide the best chances of success for recipients. The hospital provides counseling and support throughout the process to address the emotional and psychological aspects of donor-assisted reproduction.

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7. Reprocare Clinic & Diagnostics

Based in Abuja, Reprocare offers an Egg/Embryo Donor Program as part of their fertility services. They provide comprehensive care and support for both donors and recipients, ensuring ethical practices and adherence to medical guidelines.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

In Nigeria, the legal framework governing egg donation and assisted reproductive technologies is still developing. The National Health Act of 2014 does not explicitly address ovum trading or specific regulations for egg donation, leaving room for ethical ambiguities. This lack of regulation has led to concerns about the potential for exploitation and the emergence of a black market for fertility services. Reports have highlighted instances where young women, often students, donate their eggs for financial compensation without adequate medical screening or awareness of potential health risks.

To mitigate these risks, it is essential for both donors and recipients to engage with reputable clinics that adhere to ethical standards and prioritize the well-being of all parties involved. Prospective donors should undergo thorough medical and psychological evaluations to ensure they are suitable candidates, and recipients should be fully informed of the procedures, potential risks, and success rates associated with egg donation.

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The Process of Egg Donation

The egg donation process involves several stages:

1. Screening and Selection: Potential donors undergo comprehensive medical evaluations, including assessments of their health history, genetic screening, and psychological evaluations. This ensures that donors are in good health and understand the implications of the donation.
2. Ovarian Stimulation: Donors receive hormonal injections to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. This process is monitored through regular blood tests and ultrasounds to track the development of follicles.
3. Egg Retrieval: Once the follicles have matured, a minor surgical procedure is performed to retrieve the eggs. This is typically done under sedation, and donors can usually resume normal activities within a few days.
4. Fertilization and Transfer: The retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the recipient’s uterus or frozen for future use.

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