Implementation of Psychological Interview and Testing in a Large Sperm Bank

Authors

Catherine Sham, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
Andrea Braverman, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
Robert Mora, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
Makenzie Perdue, Thomas Jefferson UniversityFollow
Jaime Shamonki, California Cryobank

Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

2-2019

Academic Year

2018-2019

Comments

Poster attached as supplemental file below.

Abstract

Introduction: Historically, sperm donor applicants have been medically but not psychologically evaluated by mental health professionals (MHPs). As social norms and legislation shift toward non-anonymous donation, psychological assessments can provide opportunities to exclude unqualified donors and allow donors to consider the long-term implications of donating.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of psychological screening in identifying unqualified sperm donors, and to evaluate psychological reasons for disqualification through clinical interview and testing.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 229 potential donors who passed initial qualification at a major sperm bank from February 2017 to February 2018. All potential donors were evaluated by MPHs using clinical interview and Personality Assessment Inventory. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.

Results: Following assessments and interviews, 33 (14.4%) of the 229 applicants were disqualified and 32 (13.9%) additional candidates self-selected out of the program. Of the 33 disqualified applicants, 66.7% had abnormal psychological testing and 39.4% had abnormal clinical interviews. Additional reasons for disqualification included inability to manage longterm demands as a donor, family history of psychopathology, and suspected substance use.

Discussion: Implementation of psychological evaluations in the donor application process at one major sperm bank led a number of donors to be disqualified, primarily due to abnormal psychological testing or clinical interviews. Others withdrew from the donation process after discussing the complexities of becoming a sperm donor with MHPs. As anonymity in gamete donation becomes increasingly improbable, it is critical for candidate donors to better understand the process, and to manage possible contact with donor-conceived persons.

Recommended Citation

Sham, Catherine; Braverman, Andrea; Mora, Robert; Perdue, Makenzie; and Shamonki, Jaime, "Implementation of Psychological Interview and Testing in a Large Sperm Bank" (2019). SKMC JeffMD Scholarly Inquiry, Phase 1, Project 1.

Language

English