Psychological Experiences and Motivations of Oocyte Donors in Spain

To analyze the psychological and emotional experiences of women who donated oocytes in Spain.

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between June 2024 and February 2025 at Instituto Bernabéu (Alicante) and Clínica Fertty (Barcelona). The sample consisted of women who met the inclusion criteria for oocyte donation programs. Participation was voluntary and anonymous, with informed consent obtained. The study was approved by the internal research committee of Instituto Bernabéu and registered under protocol MR48, in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Data were collected using the EMODON questionnaire, developed ad hoc for this study, which assessed motivations, concerns, perceived professional support, and emotional state. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and qualitative responses underwent thematic analysis.

The mean age was 25 years (SD=3.88). Most donors reported altruistic motivations (95%), while 61% cited financial compensation. Concerns before treatment were expressed by 55%, primarily regarding future fertility (70%), hormonal side effects (50%), and surgical risks (45%). During stimulation, 54% felt emotionally stable, 24% more irritable, and 13% reported a negative emotional impact overall. After donation, 92% felt calm and satisfied. Foreign donors reported higher irritability (34%) than Spanish donors (19%). Nearly all participants (99%) valued the professional support received. Regarding anonymity, 71.3% stated it would not affect them or had never considered it, while a minority reported concern or refusal to donate again.

Oocyte donation was generally well tolerated emotionally, with high satisfaction regarding clinical support. Nonetheless, a vulnerable subgroup highlighted the need for targeted psychological assistance.