The University of Ibadan (UI) has raised concerns over the growing number of female students participating in egg donation programmes, issuing a strong warning about the potential health risks involved.
In an internal memo dated April 15, 2025, the University Health Service highlighted a rising trend where young women on campus are being approached by individuals and agencies to donate eggs for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
While acknowledging that egg donation has brought hope to many families struggling with infertility, the university stressed that it should not be seen as a regular means of income or a side hustle.
According to the advisory, the process of egg donation—which involves hormone treatments to stimulate the ovaries—comes with several short-term risks. These include abdominal pain, mood swings, breast tenderness, bloating, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), infections, and even possible damage to internal organs like the bladder and bowel. Psychological distress was also mentioned as a common side effect.
Even more concerning, the memo warned about long-term risks reported by some donors, such as the possibility of reduced fertility.
“These include abdominal pain, breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), infections, ovarian torsion, potential damage to internal organs such as the bladder and bowel, and psychological distress.”
The university also noted that scientific research is still ongoing and inconclusive when it comes to understanding the long-term effects of repeated egg donation, including how often it can be done safely and who is medically eligible.
To protect student well-being, the University Health Service advises not donating eggs more than three times in a year and only using reputable fertility clinics that follow ethical standards and prioritise donor safety.
The memo concludes by urging students to make informed choices, reminding them that their long-term health should never be traded for short-term financial rewards.
The University of Ibadan remains committed to safeguarding its students and ensuring they are not exploited under the guise of medical advancement.
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