A comparative study of sperm and egg donors' personal descriptions and goodwill messages

What information do sperm donors and egg donors include in their personal descriptions and goodwill messages?

A total of 131 (76 egg, 55 sperm) donor information forms from 2011 to 2021 were analysed using qualitative content analysis for personal descriptions and goodwill messages written to recipients of donor gametes. Categorical data were analysed statistically to examine differences between egg and sperm donors.

Egg donors wrote longer goodwill messages than sperm donors (X² (1) = 6.18, P = 0.013), although they were less likely to provide a personal description (X²(1) = 4.53, P = 0.033). Sperm donors were more likely than egg donors to describe themselves through their athleticism (X² (1) = 12.10, P < 0.001) and their personality traits (X² (1) = 5.29, P = 0.021), such as being laid back or goal driven. Both sperm donors and egg donors included messages that wished the family and the child well, with sperm donors more likely than egg donors to include advice in their goodwill message (X² (1) = 6.39, P = 0.012). Egg donors were more likely than sperm donors to mention motivations that involved helping others (X² (1) = 4.59, P = 0.032).

Given the differences found between the content of egg and sperm donor information forms, there is a need for better information and support to be provided to gamete donors to improve the amount of information provided and ensure consistency. More specific and guided questions on the forms may help donors complete them.