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Egg Donation for IVF in Nigeria: What You Need to Know

Egg donation is an important part of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) for many couples struggling with infertility. In Nigeria, the demand for egg donors has grown as more people turn to assisted reproductive technology. Women who have trouble producing viable eggs due to age, medical conditions, or genetic concerns may require an egg donor to conceive.

This article covers how egg donation works in Nigeria, the process for donors and recipients, legal and ethical considerations, and where to access these services.

What Is Egg Donation?

Egg donation is when a woman (donor) provides eggs to another woman (recipient) to help her conceive. The donated eggs are fertilized in a laboratory using sperm from the recipient’s partner or a sperm donor, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the recipient’s uterus.

This process is useful for women who:

Have low ovarian reserve
Have premature ovarian failure
Carry genetic disorders they do not want to pass on
Have had repeated IVF failures due to poor egg quality
Are older and unable to produce viable eggs

How Egg Donation Works in Nigeria

The process involves several steps, including screening, egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer.

1. Finding an Egg Donor

Recipients can find egg donors through fertility clinics, egg banks, or independent agencies. Some couples choose donors among friends or family members. However, most people prefer anonymous donations to avoid emotional complications.

2. Donor Screening and Selection

Before donating eggs, a donor undergoes medical and psychological screening. This ensures she is healthy and fit for the process. Common screening steps include:

Medical Tests: Blood tests to check hormone levels, infections, and genetic conditions
Ultrasound Scans: To assess ovarian function
Psychological Assessment: To confirm the donor is mentally prepared for the process
Lifestyle Review: Examination of health history, family background, and habits like smoking or drinking

Clinics prefer donors between the ages of 21 and 30, as they tend to have higher-quality eggs and better response to fertility medications.

3. Legal and Ethical Considerations

Nigeria does not have strict laws regulating egg donation, but fertility clinics follow international guidelines. Some key points include:

Donors usually remain anonymous, but some arrangements allow known donors
Donors are compensated for their time and effort, but selling eggs for profit is discouraged
Written agreements ensure that the donor has no legal claim to any child born from the donation

Recipients should always work with reputable clinics to ensure ethical and safe practices.

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4. The Egg Donation Process

Once a donor is selected, she begins fertility treatments to stimulate her ovaries. The process involves:

Hormone Stimulation

The donor takes hormone injections for 10 to 14 days to encourage multiple egg production. During this period, doctors monitor her progress through blood tests and ultrasounds.

Egg Retrieval

Once the eggs mature, doctors collect them using a minor surgical procedure called follicular aspiration. A thin needle is inserted into the ovaries under mild sedation, and the eggs are extracted. This process takes about 20 minutes, and donors can usually go home the same day.

Fertilization and Embryo Transfer

The retrieved eggs are fertilized with sperm in a laboratory, and the best embryos are selected for transfer. The recipient takes hormonal medications to prepare her uterus for implantation. Once the embryos are ready, they are placed into the uterus through a painless procedure.

A pregnancy test is done about two weeks after the transfer to determine if the procedure was successful.

ALSO READ: Egg Donation Requirements in Nigeria

Who Can Be an Egg Donor in Nigeria?

Women who wish to donate eggs must meet certain criteria to ensure a safe and successful process. Ideal donors should:

Be between 21 and 30 years old
Have a regular menstrual cycle
Be in good physical and mental health
Have no family history of genetic disorders
Not smoke or abuse drugs
Be willing to undergo medical screening and hormone treatments

Some clinics also prefer donors with certain educational backgrounds or physical features that match the recipient’s preferences.

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Cost of Egg Donation and IVF in Nigeria

The cost of egg donation varies depending on the clinic and whether a fresh or frozen egg cycle is used. In general:

Egg donor compensation: ₦200,000 to ₦500,000
IVF with egg donation: ₦1.5 million to ₦4 million

Additional costs may include medication, genetic testing, and embryo freezing. Prices vary based on the clinic and location, with Lagos and Abuja having some of the most established fertility centers.

Risks and Side Effects of Egg Donation

While egg donation is generally safe, there are some risks donors should be aware of:

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): Some women over-respond to fertility drugs, leading to swollen ovaries, pain, and fluid retention. Severe cases require medical attention.
Bleeding or Infection: Though rare, complications from egg retrieval can occur.
Emotional Concerns: Some donors may struggle with the emotional aspect of donating their eggs.

Recipients should also be aware that IVF success is not guaranteed, and multiple cycles may be needed.

Where to Access Egg Donation Services in Nigeria

Several fertility clinics in Nigeria offer egg donation programs. Some of the most recognized ones include:

Nordica Fertility Centre (Lagos, Abuja, Asaba)
Bridge Clinic (Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja)
The Olive Branch Clinic (Lagos)
Medical Art Centre (MART) (Lagos)
Gynescope Specialist Hospital (Port Harcourt)

These clinics follow strict medical protocols and provide counseling for donors and recipients. It’s always best to research and visit clinics before making a decision.

ALSO READ: Egg Donation Requirements in Nigeria

Choosing Between Fresh and Frozen Donor Eggs

Recipients can choose between fresh or frozen donor eggs.

Fresh donor eggs require the donor and recipient’s cycles to be synchronized. This method often has higher success rates but requires careful timing.
Frozen donor eggs are collected, preserved, and stored until needed. This option offers more flexibility but may have slightly lower success rates.

Many clinics in Nigeria offer both options, and the choice depends on availability, cost, and medical preferences.

Common Myths About Egg Donation

1. Egg Donation Affects Fertility

Many believe donating eggs reduces a woman’s chances of having children later. In reality, women are born with millions of eggs, and only a few hundred are used in a lifetime. Egg donation does not cause infertility when done correctly.

2. The Donor Has Parental Rights

Once eggs are donated, the recipient becomes the legal mother of any child born from the process. Donors do not have any legal, social, or financial responsibility.