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Multicenter Study
. 2010 Aug;94(3):921-6.
doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.04.049. Epub 2009 Jun 12.

Perceived negative consequences of donor gametes from male and female members of infertile couples

Michael L Eisenberg  1 , James F Smith, Susan G Millstein, Thomas J Walsh, Benjamin N Breyer, Patricia P Katz; Infertility Outcomes Program Project Group
Affiliations
Multicenter Study

Perceived negative consequences of donor gametes from male and female members of infertile couples

Michael L Eisenberg et al. Fertil Steril. 2010 Aug.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the views toward donor sperm and eggs of both men and women. The use of donor sperm or ova becomes an option for some infertile couples.

Design: Prospective cohort of infertile couples.

Setting: Eight California reproductive endocrinology practices.

Patient(s): Infertile couples (n=377) were recruited after an initial infertility clinic visit.

Main outcome measure(s): From questionnaires administered at recruitment, ratings concerning the impact of the use of donor gametes were assessed. Differences between men and women in attitudes toward donor gametes were compared with analysis of variance (ANOVA). Linear regression was used to identify independent predictors of attitudes toward gametes.

Result(s): Women's attitudes toward donor sperm were significantly more negative than their attitudes toward donor eggs (5.1+/-1.4 vs. 4.7+/-1.6). Similarly, male donor gamete attitude scores were higher for donor sperm compared with donor eggs (4.9+/-1.6 vs. 4.1+/-1.6). Both men and women agreed that the use of donor sperm was more likely to have negative effects on their relationship and negative societal ramifications. Female donor gamete attitude scores were predicted by marital status, race, and education, whereas men's scores were independent of all measured factors.

Conclusion(s): Both men and women view the use of donor sperm with more skepticism compared with the use of donor eggs, suggesting a unique underlying perception regarding the use of male donor gametes.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Boxplot showing average donor gamete attitude scores for all patients in cohort stratified by donor gamete and subject gender. Female donor gamete attitude scores were significantly higher for donor sperm compared to donor eggs (p<0.00005). Similarly, male donor gamete attitude scores were higher for donor sperm compared to donor eggs (p<0.00005). Women had higher donor gamete attitude scores than men (p<0.00005). Men and women had similar donor gamete attitude scores when queried about donor sperm (p=0.15).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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