Predicting Anonymous Egg Donor Satisfaction: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Our aim was to assess the psychologic characteristics and postdonation satisfaction of anonymous oocyte donors. Twenty-five consecutive anonymous oocyte donors completed psychologic tests before donation and satisfaction ratings following completion of the egg donation cycle. The average donor was 27 years old, married, and employed outside the home. All predonation scores on the psychologic measures were within the normal range. However, 24% of donors reported a history of sexual assault, and 40% described having had some type of reproductive loss. Although monetary compensation for donation was provided, altruism was reported as the most salient motivating factor. Following oocyte donation, 80% of women stated that they would be willing to donate again. Postdonation satisfaction was high. A significant negative correlation was found between predonation financial motivation and postdonation satisfaction (r = -.48, p < 0.01) and between predonation ambivalence and postdonation satisfaction (r = -.84, p < 0.0001). Donors with high levels of predonation financial motivation or ambivalence should be carefully screened and counseled before oocyte donation to ensure satisfactory psychologic outcome.