Gender differences in behaviors toward acceptance of donor egg, sperm, and embryo in Northern Thai infertile couples.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the behavior towards the acceptance of donor egg, donor sperm, and donor embryo of Northern Thai infertile couples, separated between men and women.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the CMEx Fertility Center, Chiang Mai, Thailand. The questionnaires consisted of sociodemographic questions and the acceptance of couples toward donor egg, sperm and embryo. The couples filled in the answers separately.

Results: A total of 250 infertile couples were assessed. There were no differences in the acceptance rate of donor egg, sperm and embryo between the men and the women. Male acceptance rates were 25.6%, 18.8%, and 18.8%, respectively; while female acceptance rates were 24.4%, 18.4%, and 19.2%, respectively. Most couples (over 70%) concordantly rejected the donation program. Around 10% of couples had discordant answers. The concordance accepted for couples for donor egg, sperm and embryo was only 20%, 13.2%, and 14.8%. Older people and those who had been infertile for a longer period were significantly more likely to accept donation programs.

Conclusions: There is no difference concerning the acceptance of donor gametes and embryo among men and women. Most participants reject the utilization of donor programs, the overall acceptance rate is relatively low. This may indicate the need for more adequate information and education for the community to enhance prevention programs rather than focus on the treatment with donor gametes or embryos.