1
|
Li Piani L, Tshilembi A, De Vos M, Buyse E, Ruttens S, Somigliana E, Tournaye H, Blockeel C. Oocyte donors' experience and expectations in a non-profit fertility care setting. J Assist Reprod Genet 2024:10.1007/s10815-024-03203-9. [PMID: 39042340 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-024-03203-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In this survey, we aimed to provide the description of previous oocyte donors' profile in a Belgian tertiary fertility hospital clinic. The research question is as follows: could certain aspects be changed or improved, according to previous oocyte donors? The final purpose is to boost adherence to future oocyte donation (OD) programs, given the large gap between supply and demand. METHODS We set up an observational cross-sectional study of oocyte donors who were recruited in a tertiary referral hospital. Participants were asked to join an anonymous online survey with questions about demographic and reproductive variables, reasons to start or discontinue OD, satisfaction rate, experience, and attitude towards presumed anonymity. RESULTS A total of 218 women were eligible to join the study, with a response rate of 49% (108/218). The emerging profile of the oocyte donor is a well-educated (102/108 with at least a high school degree), employed (86/108) woman in her thirties. Altruism and solidarity were the main drivers of their choice (105/108), and a general permissive attitude towards disclosure of their personal information to the recipient (60/108) was registered. In case of negative experience or discontinuation, concerns regarding pain management and specific long-lasting psychological support were expressed (8/20). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest the need to improve pain relief and to offer psychological support even beyond ending the donation process. These interventions could improve both participation and adherence to OD programs, ensuring an autonomous and free choice while avoiding any risk of exploitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Li Piani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Agathe Tshilembi
- Department Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences (FARM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michel De Vos
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Evelyne Buyse
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sarah Ruttens
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Herman Tournaye
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Reproduction, Genetics and Regenerative Medicine, Biology of the Testis (BITE) Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christophe Blockeel
- Brussels IVF, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
McCoy DE, Haig D, Kotler J. Egg donation and gestational surrogacy: Pregnancy is riskier with an unrelated embryo. Early Hum Dev 2024; 196:106072. [PMID: 39106717 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2024.106072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
Modern medicine has revolutionized family planning. Remarkably, women1 can carry to term embryos with whom they share no genetic connection, a feat made possible through egg donation and/or gestational surrogacy. Our reproductive systems evolved to accommodate embryos that are 50% related to the carrier, not 0% related. Here, we apply evolutionary theory to explain how and why pregnancy is riskier with an unrelated embryo. When a woman gestates an unrelated embryo, she is significantly more likely to develop preeclampsia and other diseases above and beyond the known risks associated with advanced maternal age, IVF, multiple gestation, and subfertility. Such "allogeneic pregnancies" are riskier even in fertile, healthy, commercial surrogates and when the egg is donated by a young, healthy donor. We propose that unrelated embryos present a special immune challenge to the gestational carrier, because they have fewer matching genes to the maternal body-therefore exacerbating symptoms of evolutionary maternal-fetal conflict. Indeed, maternal risks seem lower when the embryo is more related to the carrier, e.g., if a sister donates the egg. Finally, we discuss microchimerism in egg donation pregnancies, whereby wholly foreign cells pass from mother to embryo and vice-versa. We conclude with several medical proposals. First, egg donors and surrogates should be informed of the increased health risks they would face. In considerations of risk, these young, fertile women should not be compared to older, infertile women undergoing IVF; the proper comparison group is other young, fertile women. Second, contrary to some medical advice, perhaps genetically-related egg donors and surrogates should be preferred, all else equal. An immunological matching scheme, like what is used for organ transplants, could improve surrogate pregnancy outcomes. Third, more research is needed on microchimerism, sperm exposure, and the long-term impacts of allogeneic pregnancies on maternal and child health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dakota E McCoy
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States of America; Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, MA 02543, United States of America.
| | - David Haig
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02136, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Kotler
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02136, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Iranifard E, Ebrahimzadeh Zagami S, Amirian M, Ebrahimipour H, Latifnejad Roudsari R. A systematic review of assisted and third-party reproduction guidelines regarding management and care of donors. Reprod Health 2024; 21:75. [PMID: 38824591 PMCID: PMC11143578 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01804-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gamete and embryo donors face complex challenges affecting their health and quality of life. Healthcare providers need access to well-structured, evidence-based, and needs-based guidance to care for gamete and embryo donors. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to synthesize current assisted and third-party reproduction guidelines regarding management and care of donors. METHODS The databases of ISI, PubMed, Scopus, and websites of organizations related to the assisted reproduction were searched using the keywords of "third party reproduction", "gamete donation", "embryo donation", "guidelines", "committee opinion", and "best practice", without time limit up to July 2023. All the clinical or ethical guidelines and best practice statements regarding management and care for gamete and embryo donors written in the English language were included in the study. Quality assessment was carried using AGREE II tool. Included documents were reviewed and extracted data were narratively synthesized. RESULTS In this systematic review 14 related documents were reviewed of which eight were guidelines, three were practice codes and three were committee opinions. Five documents were developed in the United States, three in Canada, two in the United Kingdom, one in Australia, and one in Australia and New Zealand. Also, two guidelines developed by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology were found. Management and care provided for donors were classified into four categories including screening, counseling, information provision, and ethical considerations. CONCLUSION While the current guidelines include some recommendations regarding the management and care of gamete/embryo donors in screening, counseling, information provision, and ethical considerations, nevertheless some shortcomings need to be addressed including donors' psychosocial needs, long-term effects of donation, donors' follow-up cares, and legal and human rights aspects of donation. Therefore, it is needed to conduct robust and well-designed research studies to fill the knowledge gap about gamete and embryo donors' needs, to inform current practices by developing evidence-based guidelines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Iranifard
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, 9137913199, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Samira Ebrahimzadeh Zagami
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashad University of Medical Sciences, 9177949025, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, 9137913199, Iran, Mashhad
| | - Malihe Amirian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fellowship of Infertility, School of Medicine, Milad Infertility Treatment Center of Mashhad, University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, 9137913316, Iran
| | - Hossein Ebrahimipour
- Department of Health Economics and Management, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, 9196773113, Mashhad, Iran
- Health Sciences Research Center, Torbat Heydarieh University of Medical Sciences, 9519633787, Torbat heydarieh, Iran
| | - Robab Latifnejad Roudsari
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashad University of Medical Sciences, 9177949025, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, 9137913199, Iran, Mashhad.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Balochi H, Hadizadeh-Talasaz F, Bahri N, Mohammadzadeh F. Applying the theory of planned behavior for prediction of oocyte donation intention among Iranian women. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2023; 23:536. [PMID: 37488475 PMCID: PMC10367235 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05836-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oocyte donation is a complex and multifaceted behavior in women. Due to the acute deficiency of donated oocytes, it is necessary to identify the factors affecting the desire to donate. Planned behavior theory is a suitable model for explaining and predicting behavior in many behavioral domains. The aim of this study was to predict oocyte donation intention using the theory of planned behavior. METHODS This cross-sectional study was performed on 556 women who were covered by the comprehensive health service centers in Gonabad and Neyshabour cities in 2020. Sampling was performed by the two-step method in Gonabad city and by the convenience sampling method in Neyshabour city. Data were collected online using researcher-made questionnaires included oocyte donation awareness questionnaire and oocyte donation intention questionnaire (based on the TPB constructs). The validity of the questionnaires was confirmed by face and content validity and its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 16) using hierarchical linear regression. The statistical significance was considered as P < 0.05. RESULTS The results showed that there was a significant positive correlation between the oocyte donation intention with all constructs of planned behavioral theory (P < 0.050). Planned behavior theory constructs explained 47% of the variance of oocyte donation intention. In addition, constructs of perceived power (β = 0.461), control beliefs (β = 0.154) and normative beliefs (β = 0.125) were the strongest predictors of oocyte donation intention, respectively. CONCLUSION Planning and implementing educational courses according to the constructs of the theory of planned behavior can be a great step toward the elimination of oocyte deficiency and infertility problems. Also performing of intervention or training strategies in the field of oocyte donation requires the enhancement of social norms and perceived behavioral control in the population under study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanie Balochi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Hadizadeh-Talasaz
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Narjes Bahri
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mohammadzadeh
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Health, Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kirkman-Brown J, Calhaz-Jorge C, Dancet EAF, Lundin K, Martins M, Tilleman K, Thorn P, Vermeulen N, Frith L. OUP accepted manuscript. Hum Reprod Open 2022; 2022:hoac001. [PMID: 35178481 PMCID: PMC8847071 DOI: 10.1093/hropen/hoac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What information and support should be offered to donors, intended parents and donor-conceived people, in general and in consideration of the availability of direct-to-consumer genetic testing and matching services? SUMMARY ANSWER For donors, intended parents and donor-conceived offspring, recommendations are made that cover information needs and informed consent, psychosocial implications and disclosure. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Trends indicate that the use of donor-assisted conception is growing and guidance is needed to help these recipients/intended parents, the donors and offspring, navigate the rapidly changing environment in which donor-assisted conception takes place. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A working group (WG) collaborated on writing recommendations based, where available, on evidence collected from a literature search and expert opinion. Draft recommendations were published for stakeholder review and adapted where relevant based on the comments received. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Papers retrieved from PUBMED were included from 1 January 2014 up to 31 August 2020, focusing on studies published since direct-to-consumer genetic testing has become more widespread and accessible. The current paper is limited to reproductive donation performed in medically assisted reproduction (MAR) centres (and gamete banks): donation outside the medical context was not considered. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In total, 32 recommendations were made for information provision and support to donors, 32 for intended parents and 27 for donor-conceived offspring requesting information/support. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The available evidence in the area of reproductive donation is limited and diverse with regards to the context and types of donation. General conclusions and recommendations are largely based on expert opinion and may need to be adapted in light of future research. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These recommendations provide guidance to MAR centres and gamete banks on good practice in information provision and support but should also be considered by regulatory bodies and policymakers at a national and international level to guide regulatory and legislative efforts towards the protection of donors and donor-conceived offspring. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The development of this good practice paper was funded by European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE), covering expenses associated with the WG meetings, the literature searches and dissemination. The WG members did not receive any payment. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. DISCLAIMER This document represents the views of ESHRE, which are the result of consensus between the relevant ESHRE stakeholders and where relevant based on the scientific evidence available at the time of preparation. The recommendations should be used for informational and educational purposes. They should not be interpreted as setting a standard of care, or be deemed inclusive of all proper methods of care nor exclusive of other methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results. They do not replace the need for application of clinical judgement to each individual presentation, nor variations based on locality and facility type. †ESHRE pages content is not externally peer reviewed. The manuscript has been approved by the Executive Committee of ESHRE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jackson Kirkman-Brown
- Centre for Human Reproductive Science, University of Birmingham, IMSR, Birmingham, UK
- Correspondence address. University of Birmingham, IMSR, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK. E-mail: ;
| | | | - Eline A F Dancet
- KU Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kersti Lundin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mariana Martins
- University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Porto, Portugal
| | - Kelly Tilleman
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Petra Thorn
- Private Practice, Couple and Family Therapy, Infertility Counseling, Mörfelden, Germany
| | - Nathalie Vermeulen
- European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) Central Office, Strombeek-Bever, Belgium
| | - Lucy Frith
- Centre for Social Ethics and Policy, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Khosravi S, Kazemi A, Ahmadi SM. Emotions towards potential genetic offspring among oocyte donors: a cross-sectional study. Reprod Health 2021; 18:255. [PMID: 34930363 PMCID: PMC8691081 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-021-01311-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The presence of maternal emotions towards the offspring resulting from assisted reproductive techniques (ART) has been previously reported in oocyte donors. However, there is limited information about the presence of these emotions in oocyte donors during the ART process and before pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the emotions of oocyte donor women towards the potential genetic offspring and to compare them with women treated with ART by using own oocytes. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 women who were divided into two groups of oocyte donors and those treated with ART and using autologous oocyte. At the time of oocyte retrieval. Using a validated questionnaire, the emotions toward potential offspring (EPO) resulting from ART and its three dimensions (including imagination, sense of ownership, and importance of treatment outcome) were measured and compared in two groups. Results Comparison of the EPO in the two groups showed that the emotions in all three dimensions were lower in oocyte donors than the other group (p < 0.001). Moreover, in oocyte donors, the mean score of the scale of the importance of treatment outcome dimension was higher than the other two scales (p < 0.001). Conclusion The results of the study showed that there is a significant emotion toward the potential offspring in oocyte donors. The presence of these emotions thus should be considered in formulating the ethical charter of ART by using oocyte donation. There is limited information about the presence of maternal emotions in egg donor women during the assisted reproductive techniques (ART) process and before pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate these emotions of women towards the potential genetic offspring and to compare them with women treated with ART by using own oocytes. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 women who were divided into two groups of egg donor and those treated with ART and using autologous oocyte. At the time of oocyte retrieval and using a validated questionnaire, the emotions toward potential offspring (EPO) resulting from ART and its three dimensions (including imagination, sense of ownership, and importance of treatment outcome) were measured and compared in two groups. Out of 100 women. Comparison of the EPO in the two groups showed that the emotions in all three dimensions were lower in egg donors than the other group. Moreover, in egg donors, the mean score of the scale of the importance of treatment outcome dimension was higher than the other two scales. The results of the study showed that there is a significant emotion toward the potential offspring in oocyte donors. The presence of these emotions thus should be considered in formulating the ethical charter of ART by using oocyte donation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Khosravi
- Reproductive Health Department, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ashraf Kazemi
- Reproductive Health Department, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezarjerib AV, Isfahan, Iran.
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Adib Moghaddam E, Kazemi A, Kheirabadi G, Ahmadi SM. Psychosocial consequences of oocyte donation in donors: A systematic review. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2021; 267:28-35. [PMID: 34689024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Assisted Reproductive Technology by means of oocyte donation is a very successful method leading to psychosocial consequences in donors. The aim of the present study was to conduct a systematic review of the existing literature on the psychosocial consequences of oocyte donation in the donors. The present study was conducted as a systematic review based on the PRISMA checklist. Searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and SID databases for the documents written between 2000 and 2020 regardless of the research methodology and the employed tools. English and Persian articles focusing on psychological and social issues of oocyte donation were reviewed. From 2,759 studies which were found, finally 14 related ones were selected. Psychosocial challenges of donors were obtained in three dimensions including short-term and long-term psychological reactions to treatment complications, emotional reactions to their function as an oocyte donor, and emotional reactions to the resulting offspring resulting and related social challenges. According to the existing studies, oocyte donation is a challenging process with short-term and long-term psychosocial consequences for donors. In order to prevent the feasible psychosocial hazards caused by the donation process, it is necessary to provide oocyte donors with psychosocial support, proper counseling, and awareness of the facts and possible issues ahead.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elham Adib Moghaddam
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ashraf Kazemi
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Gholamreza Kheirabadi
- Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Adib Moghaddam E, Kazemi A, Kheirabadi G, Ahmadi SM. Self-image and social-image of the donors: Two different views from oocyte donors' eyes. J Health Psychol 2020; 27:548-556. [PMID: 33023322 DOI: 10.1177/1359105320963211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To identify the perceptions of women oocyte donors this qualitative study was conducted on 30 oocyte donors using in-depth interview. The three main categories of decision-making challenge, the consequences of participation in assisted reproductive treatment, and the contrast between the self-image and social-image of the donor were inferred. Financial and altruistic motivation, social taboo, and the approval of trusted people were the sub-categories of the decision-making challenge. The results of the study showed that the decision for oocyte donation follows the effort of women to balance the financial and spiritual benefits of the donation against its cultural barriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashraf Kazemi
- Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | | |
Collapse
|