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.
Jordan
Caren B
CB
Department of Psychology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
Belar
Cynthia D
CD
Williams
R Stan
RS
D000328:Adult; D000851:Anonyms and Pseudonyms; D001290:Attitude; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D018587:Oocyte Donation / Q000523:psychology*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014019:Tissue Donors / Q000523:psychology*