When to Consider Sperm or Egg Donation

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Are you considering donor egg or sperm? When should you consider these options? What choices do you have and what are some of the psychological hurdles you need to consider? We talk with Dr. Angela Leung, a reproductive endocrinologist at Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey; and Dr. Poonam Sharma, a Licensed Psychologist specializing in reproductive issues.

In this episode, we cover:

Sperm Donation:

• What are the possibilities of getting pregnant when the male partner has an abnormal semen analysis? Does it depend on whether sperm count, motility, or morphology are abnormal?
• When should patients consider sperm donation from a medical standpoint?
• How and when should medical providers bring up the possibility of using donated sperm? Does it matter that the “patient” is usually the female partner?
• What are some of the psychological issues that may arise for the female partner using a sperm donor? 
• What are some feelings the male partner commonly experiences? 
• What type of impact does “asymmetry of parenthood” in which there will be a biological motherhood and social fatherhood have on couples?
• How do these issues differ if the patient is part of a heterosexual couple, a lesbian couple, or a single parent?

Egg Donation:

• When should patients consider egg donation from a medical standpoint?
• What medical conditions make egg donation appropriate?
• How and when should medical providers bring up the possibility of using donated eggs? Who on the medical staff is the one that usually introduces the topic? 
• What are some of the psychological considerations for the female partner? 
• What are some of the psychological considerations for the male partner?
• What type of impact does “asymmetry of parenthood” in which there will be a genetic father and biological mother who is carrying but not using her own eggs?

Donor Selection:

• What are some general medical considerations when selecting any type of donor? (i.e., egg or sperm bank vs. live donor)
• What advice would you give intended parents about psychological considerations when selecting a donor?
• Do medical providers or mental health professionals talk with patients about the use of anonymous vs. open donors/identified donors? 
• What issues to consider when using known/directed donors? (i.e., friends, relatives)
• Should you tell the child? 

Embryo Donation:

• When should patients consider using donated embryos?
• How to discuss this option with patients?
• What are some of the psychological considerations for the intended parents? 

Additional Resources:
American Society of Reproductive Medicine Guidance Regarding Gamete and Embryo Donation

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