A survey of anonymous oocyte donors: demographics

• Published in: Human reproduction (Oxford) 1998-10, Vol.13 (10), p.2762-2766
• Main Authors: Kan, A K, Abdalla, H I, Ogunyemi, B O, Korea, L, Latarche, E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Attitude; Biological and medical sciences; Birth control; Ethnic Groups; Female; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Medical sciences; Oocyte Donation - psychology; Oocyte Donation - statistics & numerical data; Sterility. Assisted procreation; Surveys and Questionnaires; Tissue Donors - psychology; Tissue Donors - statistics & numerical data; United Kingdom
• ISSN: 0268-1161; 1460-2350
• DOI: 10.1093/humrep/13.10.2762

This is a questionnaire based study of 501 women enquiring about anonymous oocyte donation at a private in-vitro fertilization (IVF) unit, investigating the demographic characteristics and logistic issues involved in ovum donation. The 501 women were made up of 356 women who did not donate ('non-donors') and 145 women who eventually donated their oocytes ('donors'). Although there was a majority of housewives among the enquirers, women in full-time employment were the majority of actual donors. Logistic factors such as the travel and time commitment involved were major reasons for non-donation as well as concerns about complications. There was a paucity of ethnic donors. Recruitment strategies must focus on retaining potential donors and ensuring a higher proportion become actual donors. These strategies must address the logistic difficulties associated with non-donation including transport problems and social commitments by assisting with childcare provision and travel. Improving donor education and the access to more personal and non-threatening information were other areas that needed attention which were highlighted in the survey.