Anonymous oocyte donation: a follow-up analysis of donors' experiences

BACKGROUND: this study was conducted to assess oocyte donors' satisfaction after the procedure and to obtain information on base rates of various experiences associated with oocyte donation. METHODS: volunteer anonymous oocyte donors seen at a university-based IVF programs were identified (N = 54). The follow-up questionnaire asked donors to rate aspects of clinic interactions, medical procedures and experiences during and after the process, as well as expectations and level of fulfillment. RESULTS: ten individuals were lost to follow-up and 20 donors did not respond. The typical oocyte donor respondent (N = 24) was 26.5 years old, Caucasian, single with no children and had experienced some college education. Mean follow-up time was 21 months. Overall, 79% were satisfied or extremely satisfied with their experience, 42 % would be an oocyte donor again and 50% would recommend that a friend consider being an oocyte donor. Donors tolerated procedures well, but most did experience cramping and injection site pain. A significant proportion experienced anxiety and negative emotional experiences during the process. Expectations were fulfilled regarding helping another woman and sense of satisfaction, but most (87.5%) expressed the desire to know the outcome for the recipient. CONCLUSIONS: the data demonstrate that oocyte donation was a positive experience for the majority of women in the program, although emotional symptoms are normative.