The Voices of Adult Offspring of Sperm Donation: Forces for Change Within Assisted Reproductive Technology in the United States

September 2008 in “ Fertility and Sterility ”

Patricia P. Mahlstedt, Kathleen LaBounty, William T. Kennedy

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome PCOS skin manifestations elevated testosterone polycystic ovaries metabolic dysfunction

TLDR Adult offspring of sperm donation generally feel positive about their conception and view the donor as their biological father.

The document presents findings from various studies related to assisted reproductive technology and its psychological impacts. One study with 70 patients diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) found that women with PCOS have higher rates of depression compared to normative data, with obesity, particularly morbid obesity, being a risk factor for depression. Other symptoms of PCOS, such as skin manifestations, elevated testosterone, polycystic ovaries, and metabolic dysfunction, were not associated with increased risk of depression. Another study analyzed data from 380 infertile couples and found that both men and women felt less control over their lives and more stress when using donor gametes, with the use of donor sperm (DS) believed to lead to more marital problems and a decreased sense of having jointly created a child compared to donor eggs (DE). Lastly, an exploratory study with 84 adult offspring of sperm donation revealed that most participants learned of their donor conception after the age of 18, feel neutral to very good about their means of conception, view their donor as their biological father, and support the practice of only identity-release sperm donation. Further research is needed to understand the attitudes and needs of adult offspring conceived through sperm donation.

View this study on fertstert.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 12 results

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 3 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community Bryan Johnson just dropped his anti hair loss formula

in Treatment 339 upvotes 9 months ago

Bryan Johnson shared his hair loss treatment, which mainly relies on minoxidil and finasteride. Some users are skeptical of his results, while others appreciate his efforts in anti-aging and hair loss research.

community 21F AGA - 4 month hair growth progress (Minoxidil 5%, finasteride 1mg, theradome LLLT, viviscal vitamins, PRP twice)

in Progress Pictures 257 upvotes 2 years ago

A 21-year-old female shared her 4-month hair growth progress using Minoxidil 5%, finasteride 1mg, Theradome LLLT, Viviscal vitamins, and PRP treatments twice. Commenters praised her progress and discussed other treatments like microneedling, but she noted her dermatologist advised against it due to potential scalp damage.

community Female, 30, PCOS diagnosis, MPB Norwood 2. Endo refuses to give anything other than Spironolactone. Feel like I’m at my wit’s end here.

in Female 56 upvotes 1 year ago

A 30-year-old female with PCOS and male pattern baldness is frustrated with her endocrinologist's recommendation of only Spironolactone and minoxidil, feeling that dutasteride, finasteride, and progesterone would be more effective. Other users suggest various online sources for treatments, warn against self-medicating due to potential risks, and recommend seeking a specialized endocrinologist or considering additional treatments like Inositol, Berberine, and dermaneedling.

community having hair loss as a teen SUCKS. A LOT.

in Female 12 upvotes 2 years ago

A teenage girl who has been diagnosed with ADA and is struggling with hair loss, which has caused her to lose confidence. She is looking for recommendations on treatments such as finasteride or Minoxidil, and lifestyle advice including vitamins and other supplements that might help with the issue.

community My scalp punch biopsy results🤔?

in Female 8 upvotes 1 year ago

Female using Rogaine foam for hair loss had scalp punch biopsy, diagnosed with Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA). Doctor recommended starting Spironolactone 50mg.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

research The Association Between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Dermatological Manifestations

1 citations, February 2020 in “Cureus”

Women with PCOS are more likely to have skin problems like excessive hair, acne, and hair loss.

research Factors Associated With Risk for Depression Among Women With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

2 citations, September 2008 in “Fertility and Sterility”

Women with PCOS and higher BMI, especially those with morbid obesity, are at greater risk for depression.

research Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Insulin Resistance, and Obesity: Navigating the Pathophysiologic Labyrinth

222 citations, January 2014 in “International journal of reproductive medicine”

Insulin resistance and obesity are key factors in the development and worsening of polycystic ovary syndrome, and lifestyle changes are important for managing it.

Rotterdam Criteria–Based Diagnostic Subtype Is Not a Strong Predictor of Cutaneous Phenotype in Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

research Rotterdam Criteria–Based Diagnostic Subtype Is Not a Strong Predictor of Cutaneous Phenotype in Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

2 citations, June 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

The type of PCOS a woman has doesn't strongly predict her skin or metabolic symptoms; obesity is a more important factor.

research Cutaneous Findings and Systemic Associations in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

53 citations, December 2015 in “JAMA Dermatology”

Women with PCOS often have more body hair, acne, and skin darkening, and these signs are linked to metabolic issues like insulin resistance and high cholesterol.