Korean J Urol.  2014 Feb;55(2):134-139. 10.4111/kju.2014.55.2.134.

The Attitudes of Infertile Male Patients Toward the Use of Artificial Insemination by Donor: A Korean Regional Survey

• Hwang DS
• Jeon TG
• Park HJ
• Park NC

• KMID: 1988440
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4111/kju.2014.55.2.134

Abstract

PURPOSE
Infertile couples interested in nonspouse artificial insemination by donor (AID) not only require a thorough understanding of the medical procedure but also must scrutinize the effects it will have on family relationships, including those on the infant to be born. We conducted a series of surveys in couples with male infertility to collect information necessary for AID counseling.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 384 cases with noncurable male infertility were enrolled in this inquiry survey. The questionnaire consisted of 18 items that assessed demographic characteristics, background information concerning the choice to use AID, subjective experiences, long-term effects, and an overall evaluation.
RESULTS
A total of 126 surveys were returned (32.8%). AID was first suggested by the husband in about half of the cases. The major reason for considering the procedure was to form a complete family. Two-thirds of the couples were anxious about the procedure, most often about possible congenital or acquired deformities in the infant. After the birth of the child, most couples were positive about their decision to have used AID. About half of the couples felt that the child was their own and expected not to tell the child about AID. Overall, about 50% of the couples were satisfied with the procedure.
CONCLUSIONS
Those who underwent AID experienced various psychological effects, including anxiety about the child to be born. To overcome these problems, sufficient medical information and consultation about the process of selecting the donor and about AID procedures should be provided before the procedure is used.

Keyword

Artificial insemination; Male infertility; Sperm banks

MeSH Terms

Anxiety
Child
Congenital Abnormalities
Counseling
Family Characteristics
Family Relations
Humans
Infant
Infertility, Male
Insemination, Artificial*
Male*
Parturition
Questionnaires
Sperm Banks
Spouses
Tissue Donors*

Figure

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  FIG. 1 Background factors that influence the decision to undergo artificial insemination by donor (AID).

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  FIG. 2 Reasons for anxiety about undergoing artificial insemination by donor (AID).

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  FIG. 3 Aftereffects of artificial insemination by donor (positive changes).

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  FIG. 4 Attitudes regarding whether to notify children about artificial insemination by donor.

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