UHS Advises Against Growing Trend of Egg Donation Among Female Students

By Otobo Prevail Chidera

On the 15th of April, 2025, the University Health Service (UHS) released an advisory memo to all members of the University Community examining the increasing participation and recruitment of female students in egg donation for In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and the potential health risks that follow.

This memo was signed by the Director of the UHS, the university expressed its concerns towards the growing trend of female students in the University of Ibadan partaking and being recruited by organisations or individuals for egg donation as a means of bringing hope to families struggling with infertility. It was stated that this act should not be carried out as a permanent source of financial remedy or an alternative side hustle.

The University Health Service emphasised the short-term health implications that surface from egg donation, including abdominal pain, breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings, Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSSO), infection and bleeding, ovarian torsion, potential injury to the bladder, nearby blood vessel and bowel and psychological distress. Long-term effects as stated in the memo include, 'LOSS OF FERTILITY'. 

While there are still hanging questions on, who is medically safe to donate and how many times donation can occur? The ideal interval between donations by health experts’ recommendation states that, eggs should not be donated  more than three times per year by an individual, a reputable clinic that adheres to established guidelines and prioritises donor safety should be worked with.     

The UHS also admonished all students to seek professional medical advice before considering egg donation to avoid future health complications.