Knowledge and attitudes of infertile couples towards embryo donation program

Authors

  • Usha Rajinikanthan D. B. Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Reproductive Medicine and Women’s Health, Madras Medical Mission, Chennai, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20160364

Keywords:

Knowledge, Attitude, Embryo donation

Abstract

Background: Despite a high population growth rate in India, infertility remains as a major reproductive health problem. Although, a large number of infertile couples have already benefited from assisted reproductive technology (ART), some have remained childless. One possible option that they may consider is embryo donation (ED) procedure. There are still worldwide controversial attitudes regarding ED program. The aim of this study is to evaluate the attitudes and knowledge of infertile couples on different aspects of embryo donation program.

Methods: A total of 200 infertile patients (women, n=101; men, n=99) attending our clinic, were asked to fill out the questionnaires. Part I of the questionnaire form contained general demographic information. Part II contained 14 questions to reveal their knowledge and attitudes about ED program.

Results: The vast majority of the subjects had formal education. Nearly 80% were in favor of embryo donation program for selected infertile couple. Psychological counseling was strongly recommended by vast majority of respondents for both donor and the recipient of the embryos. Majority of the participants were in favor of ED over adopting a child.

Conclusions: The vast majority of infertile patients had positive attitudes toward ED as treatment for selected infertile cases.

References

Bangsboll S, Pinborg A, Yding AC, Nyboe AA. Patients’ attitudes towards donation of surplus cryopreserved embryos for treatment or research. Hum Reprod. 2004;19:2415-9.

Lee J, Yap C. Embryo donation: a review. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2003;82(11):991-6.

Soderstrom-Anttila V, Foudila T, Ripatti UR, Siegberg R. Embryo donation: outcome and attitudes among embryo donors and recipients. Hum Reprod. 2001;16:1120-8.

Kovacs GT, Breheny SA, Dear MJ. Embryo donation at an Australian university in-vitro fertilization clinic: issues and outcomes. Med J Aust. 2003;178:127-9.

Ghasemi N, Khalili MA, Tayyebi N. Knowledge and attitudes of infertile couples towards embryo donation program: a preliminary report from Iran

The American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Guidelines for embryo donation in 2004. Fertil Steril. 2004;82.

Isikoglu M, Senol Y, Berkkanoglu M, Ozgur K, Donmez L, Stones-Abbasi A. Public opinion regarding oocyte donation in Turkey: first data from a secular population among the Islamic world. Hum Reprod. 2006;21:318-23.

Yassini M, Khalili MA, Hashemian Z. The level of anxiety and depression among Iranian infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization or intracyto plasmic sperm injection cycles. J Research in Med Sci. 2005;10:22-6.

Newton CR, McDermid A, Tekpetey E, Tummon IS. Embryo donation: attitudes toward donation procedures and factors predicting willingness to donate. Hum Reprod. 2003;18:878-4.

Marcu SF, Marcus NK. Embryo donation. Assist Reprod. 1999;9:138-43.

Van Voorhis BJ, Grinstead DM, Sparks AET. Establishment of a successful donor embryo program: medical, ethical, and policy issues. Fertil Steril. 1999;71:604-8.

Downloads

Published

2016-12-17

Issue

Section

Original Research Articles