Psychiatric issues in non-anonymous oocyte donation. Motivations and expectations of women donors and recipients.

When donated genetic material (i.e., sperm or ova) is part of the treatment for infertility, the potential for psychological complexity and symptoms is increased. Details of clinical findings in both ova donors and recipients involved in non-anonymous oocyte donation are presented in this article. The donors demonstrated expectable psychiatric symptom levels, while the recipients reported significantly fewer symptoms. This may reflect denial of symptoms and/or concerns that treatment would be denied if symptoms were revealed. Motivations and expectations of the participants, which were complex, are described. Evaluating symptoms and understanding the emotional aspects of this reproductive option requires clinical observation during and after treatment.