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Oocyte donors' physical outcomes and psychosocial experiences: a mixed-methods study
Kirby Adlam1, Mary Dawn Koenig1, Crystal L Patil2
1Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
Objective:
To expand knowledge on physical outcomes and psychosocial experiences of oocyte donors after donation across 3 age cohorts.
Design:
Cross-sectional mixed-methods survey.
Patients:
A total of 363 participants (ages: 22-71 years, M = 38.8) recruited from Donor Sibling Registry and Facebook groups donated an average of 3.3 times, with 77.1% using nonidentified donation. Most were White (92.8%) and over half (59%) were married at the time of survey. Average length of time from initial donation to study participation was 13.75 years.
Exposure:
Previous oocyte donation.
Main Outcome Measures:
Self-reported physical outcomes and psychological experiences after donation.
Results:
Most donors (89.5%) completing the online survey (N = 363) reported a positive overall experience. Self-reported physical outcomes, including changes to menstrual cycles, ovulation, or fertility, were reported by 21% of participants after donation. Many (41.4%) reported procedural pain, and 10.5% reported ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Anxiety (25.8%) and depression (23.2%) were the most common self-reported diagnoses. Validated measures (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Bank V1.0 Depression, Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Bank V1.0 Anxiety) were used to assess mild or greater anxiety and depression (25.1% and 17.6%, respectively; t-score ≥55). Participants screened clinically significant rates of alcohol/drug misuse (11.5%; ≥2 Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye opener-Adapted to Include Drugs), with 50% of those reporting depressive symptoms. Anonymity was the most common qualitative response for reported emotional distress (17%) and regret (20%). Most participants (94.3%) reported no contact by clinics for medical updates after donation, despite 25% reporting they had changes in their health to communicate. Participants' open-ended responses detailed the 3 most important concerns: improved communication with clinics; desire for less anonymity; and more information on long-term donor health outcomes.
Conclusion:
Most participants felt their oocyte donation experience was positive despite reported pain, menstrual cycle changes, and emotional distress. Depression and anxiety were the most common self-reported diagnoses. Depression rated higher than the national prevalence. Elevated Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye opener-Adapted to Include Drugs was associated with depression, indicating the importance of screening oocyte donors for mental health and drug/alcohol misuse. Concerns included lack of communication after procedure and lack of information provided on long-term health outcomes. Clinicians can incorporate these findings when counseling this population.
