The Bridge Clinic in Lagos has stated that one of the top challenges they face is the lack of egg donors willing to donate to couples in need and the dearth of information about the process of In vitro fertilization (IVF). During the Bridge Clinic welcome forum titled ‘Unable to conceive the second time?’, Senior Fertility Doctor, Dr. Ayo Olayinka, further elaborated that the hospital also grapples with the lack of a constant power supply and importation of the consumables needed in the laboratory. Unfortunately, these materials are not locally available, which exposes the hospital to forex fluctuations.
Olayinka explained that there is also a great need for education about IVF and egg donation for more couples to consider this option. He suggested that initiatives to provide such awareness are necessary implying that societal pressure may be a contributing factor to the lack of such awareness. During the event, the hospital offered free consultations to women.
He reiterates that over time, IVF has become commonly sought out in Nigeria, and more people have become accepting of the treatment to end their struggles with infertility. He states that patients should not be ashamed to consider IVF as a solution to their fertility struggles as we do not identify malaria or typhoid as tabooed diagnoses.
The Bridge Clinic is reputed as one of the leading fertility clinics in Nigeria, providing advanced treatment services in assisted conception. Notably, the hospital successfully delivered the first IVF twins in Nigeria in 1998.
In conclusion, the lack of Nigerian awareness on the process and use of IVF to tackle infertility, as well as insufficient egg donors, remain stumbling blocks to the aim of the Bridge clinic. However, with adequate education and donor recruitment, these challenges can be overcome.
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