JBRA Assisted Reproduction 2025;29(Suppl.2 SBRA 2025):89
Poster Presentation
29^th Annual Congress of the SBRA. São Paulo/SP - Brazil, 2025
doi: 10.5935/1518-0557.20263669

P-77. Egg Donors: The Importance of Psychological Evaluation and Follow-up

Flávia Giacon¹, Helena Prado Lopes²

¹ Mater Prime Clínica de Reprodução Humana - São Paulo - SP - Brasil
² Grupo Pró-Fértil Medicina Reprodutiva - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brasil

Objective: This study aims to propose a critical reflection on how evaluative processes have been conducted in clinical practice, particularly in cases involving egg donation treatments, considering their mandatory nature, while emphasizing the importance of psychological follow-up to ensure participants are emotionally prepared and well-informed about the medical, psychological, and legal aspects of gamete donation. The research considers the Brazilian Federal Council of Medicine (Conselho Federal de Medicina) Resolution No. 2,320/2022, specifically regarding Section IV, item 2.1, which establishes mandatory psychological evaluation for both donors and recipients of gametes.
Methods: A literature review was conducted, focusing on specialized studies, particularly the works of Álvarez Plaza (2015), Rossi et al. (2018), and Rivas et al. (2018), regarding clinical guidelines for the psychological evaluation of egg donors.
Results: The cited authors identified fundamental criteria for psychological evaluation of donors, including: verification of knowledge about medical procedures, risks, and emotional impacts; evaluation of stress management capacity (psychological aptitude); absence of psychiatric disorders or substance abuse history; analysis of donation motivations and social support availability; and clarification about the biological and symbolic value of oocytes, including their potential uses (assisted reproduction or research). In cases of intrafamilial donation, the evaluation also considers potential impacts on future family relationships. The analysis concludes that egg donation involves complex technical and emotional challenges, requiring medical monitoring and continuous psychological follow-up.
Conclusion: Assisted reproduction techniques have introduced a third party (donors) as a possibility for achieving parental projects, prioritizing human will over biogenetic ties. Candidates often require clarification of treatment and express concerns about potential future emotional impacts. Preliminary psychological counseling significantly reduces anxiety and supports informed decision-making, while continuous follow-up prepares donors for the physical and emotional demands of the process, including understanding legal and ethical aspects. In homologous donation cases, it can prevent emotional conflicts. The analyzed guidelines aim to ensure an ethical and emotionally sustainable egg donation practice, with structured psychological evaluation and ongoing follow-up being essential to protect the well-being of donors and ensure they are prepared for the challenges involved. It is therefore recommended that these guidelines be integrated into reproductive treatments using donated genetic material to promote a humanized and responsible approach.