Psychosocial aspects of oocyte- and sperm donation

The research is led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet, Uppsala University and Linköping University and is conducted in close collaboration with Reproductive Medicine Centers and IVF-clinics.

Project description

Long-term follow-up of couples undergoing oocyte/sperm donation.
’The Swedish Study on Gamete Donation’ is a prospective longitudinal multicenter study with all university hospitals that provide treatment with donor oocytes and sperm. During 2005-2008 we approached consecutive groups of oocyte and sperm donors, couples starting treatment with donor oocytes or sperm, and a comparison group of couples who started IVF-treatment with own gametes. Approximately 1500 persons were included and are followed over several years with questionnaires that include study-specific questions (e.g. disclosure of using donor conception) and validated instruments to assess e.g. personality (TCI), couple relationship (ENRICH) and child development (SDQ).

When offspring obtain information about their donor.
Offspring who were conceived with donor gametes at Swedish clinics since 1985 have the legal right to obtain identifying information about the donor. In an ongoing national study we investigate the psychosocial consequences of adult offspring getting access to information about the donor. This study is conducted in collaboration with all university hospitals that perform donation treatment. Individual interviews are conducted with adult offspring who have obtained information about their donor, as well as with their parents and donors.

Long-term follow-up of single women undergoing sperm/embryo donation.
Since 2016 single women have access to donation treatment at Swedish clinics. In 2019 we start recruitment in a prospective longitudinal multicenter study that is conducted in collaboration with six IVF-clinics. The aim is to investigate women’s and children’s health and social situation in a group of single women receiving donor gametes (n=500) and a comparison group of women undergoing IVF with the couple’s own gametes (n=500).