Despite the lingering uncertainty surrounding the full scope of risks in egg donation, one thing is clear: profit must not be prioritised over the well-being and informed consent of donors.
Egg donation and extraction have been making headlines lately, but for all the wrong reasons. A recent story about Iyanuolwa, who was exploited by a fertility clinic, has raised concerns about the safety and ethics of these procedures.
This is why we’re breaking it all down—what egg donation entails and the risks women should be aware of before making any decisions.
What is egg donation?
This is when a woman donates her eggs to help another woman conceive. Once the eggs are donated, they’re fertilised with sperm and transferred to the recipient’s womb, hoping everything goes smoothly from there. Egg donation can be done for all kinds of reasons, including infertility, same-sex relationships, or choosing to become a parent on one’s own.
Here’s a breakdown of the egg donation process:
Unlike Iyanuoluwa’s process, which took 2 weeks, Healthline says the egg donation process should take about a month. This begins with the application process, legalities and medical screening before the egg donation process begins. Once those are resolved, the extraction process begins.
Dr Glory Oyelowo, a fertility specialist, explains the procedure:
Ovulation induction: The egg donor will receive various hormonal injections throughout their menstrual cycle. These medications stimulate your ovaries to produce multiple eggs.
Egg retrieval: Once the eggs are ready, a doctor will administer a trigger shot of Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for quick egg maturity. The eggs are retrieved through a minor surgical procedure, usually under sedation or light anaesthesia.
Recovery: As the sedation wears off, the donor may feel dazed. The doctor will provide personalised instructions to guide the recovery process. Generally, allowing the body time to rest and recover is essential after the egg retrieval procedure.
Benefits of egg donation
With a growing need for solutions to fertility problems, egg donation provides opportunities for women to conceive. Cofertility says egg donation has a 50-70% success rate or higher, depending on the individual. And for this reason, Dr Oyelowo confirms that egg donation is a better option compared to other fertility treatments.
The egg donation industry is also a lucrative market, offering substantial financial rewards for donors, clinics, and related businesses. Consequently, donors can reap significant benefits, with compensation varying widely depending on factors such as vocation, clinic, donor characteristics, and number of eggs retrieved.
Typically, donors can receive up to ₦200,000 or more for their eggs, a substantial payment for their time and effort. Moreover, fertility clinics and agencies also generate considerable revenue from these procedures, thereby creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in the process.
Understanding the risks of egg donation
Dr Oyelowo explains that while egg donation can be a rewarding experience for the donors, it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers and risks:
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): A potentially life-threatening condition caused by overstimulation of the ovaries occurs in less than 5% of all egg donors. In very rare cases, some donors are exquisitely sensitive to the stimulation medications.
This results in an exaggerated swelling of the ovaries and fluid collection in the abdomen and chest. To provide the best chance at tackling OHSS, donors are monitored closely.
Infection and bleeding: During egg retrieval, a needle is inserted into the ovary, and there may be bleeding. While spotting is normal after retrieval, bleeding heavily is not. Although very rare, it is possible to damage or puncture the bowel, bladder, or nearby blood vessels. This may cause infections hence, antibiotics must be administered after the process.
Exploitation: Donors may be exploited by fertility clinics or recipients, as highlighted in the recent news story. In Nigeria, egg donation is not regulated, and this enables clinics to function with alarming opacity that breeds exploitation.
The process is sold as a quick money fix and a benevolent opportunity for young women to help infertile couples. However, some clinics exploit vulnerable young women, prioritising profits over their health and well-being.
Fertility drugs used during donation “rescue” some of the eggs that would’ve been lost during menstruation.
Protecting yourself as an egg donor
If you’re considering becoming an egg donor, it’s crucial to take steps to protect yourself:
Research reputable clinics: Choose a clinic with a good reputation and transparent policies.
Understand the risks: Make sure you’re aware of the potential dangers and risks involved and make informed choices.
Get counselling: Consider seeking counselling to prepare yourself emotionally for the donation process.
Know your rights: Understand your rights as a donor, including compensation and confidentiality.
The bottom line
Egg donation and extraction can be a complex and emotionally charged topic. While the benefits are undeniable, it’s essential to know the potential dangers and risks involved.
By understanding the process, benefits, and risks, women can make better-informed decisions and create a safer and more ethical egg donation system.
