Health Warning From Experts Following Egg Trade Operations

Following the operations against illegal reproductive cell trade carried out in 14 provinces centered in Istanbul, Dr. Nur Cansu Yılmaz Baldan, an Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist from Medipol Health Group, issued warnings regarding the medical dimension and health risks of the egg collection procedure. Emphasizing that selling eggs is not legal in Turkey, Baldan stated that uncontrolled procedures performed for financial gain can lead to serious health problems and death.

Assistant Professor Dr. Nur Cansu Yılmaz Baldan stated that obtaining eggs is not a simple procedure, noting that ovaries are stimulated through a 12-to-14-day hormone treatment involving injections. Stating that matured eggs are collected via a thin needle through the vaginal route under general anesthesia with ultrasound guidance, Baldan noted that this process involves a surgical procedure.

Explaining that complications such as bowel perforation, bladder injury, and major vessel injuries can develop during the egg collection procedure, Baldan reported that excessive hormone administration can lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. It was stated that this condition carries the risk of fluid accumulation in the abdomen and around the lungs, an increased risk of clotting, and, in severe cases, the risk of death.

Stating that repeated egg collection procedures can cause infections in the ovaries and tubes leading to infertility, Baldan reminded that egg sales are not legal in Turkey. It was emphasized that this practice should not be confused with legal and controlled in vitro fertilization treatments performed in authorized centers of the Ministry of Health.