If you need a fertility-related psychological evaluation, you may have questions about the process. Below are descriptions of the different types of fertility evaluations and what you can expect for each one. For all fertility evaluations, KKJ’s goal is that you feel informed and supported in the process. We know any evaluation, or even a “box to check” before you can move forward, can cause stress. It is our hope that knowing what to expect will make your experience a little less stressful.
Gamete (Egg/Sperm) or Embryo Donor Evaluations
Why is a donor evaluated?
A donor evaluation is requested by fertility clinics for several reasons: to minimize the risk of psychological harm to the donor, to estimate the donor’s ability to comply with the demands of being a donor, and to ensure the donor’s informed consent. Essentially, the goal is to ensure that a person who is donating eggs or sperm is not likely to experience major psychological or emotional effects from donating and truly understands the process and potential consequences of the decision to donate. It is also to protect individuals who may be coerced into donating.
What can I expect from a donor evaluation?
If you are planning to be a donor, you can expect to be interviewed for about 1.5 to 2 hours, and interviews can be done virtually. You will be asked questions about your history, including about your family, relationships, school/work, and physical/ mental health. You will also be asked questions about your reasons for wanting to be a donor and your understanding of the process and possible consequences of donating. If you have a significant other (like a spouse or live-in partner), that person will also be interviewed briefly. You and your partner will also complete a questionnaire that assesses personality traits and psychological issues, and the questionnaire takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete. Your evaluator will then write a letter that briefly summarizes the evaluation and states whether you are a good candidate to donate.
Gamete/Embryo Recipient Counseling Session(s)
Why is a recipient counseled?
Recipient counseling is requested by fertility clinics to help individuals make informed decisions and to ensure they understand the potential psychological implications involved with receiving donated gametes or embryos. Counseling also helps to provide information about resources and supports. This process is different from a donor evaluation, in that a recipient is not necessarily being “evaluated.” Instead, the goal is to ensure a recipient feels clear about their decision and has thought through the issues involved.
What can I expect from recipient counseling?
If you are planning to be a recipient, you (and your partner/spouse) can expect to meet with a counselor for at least one one-hour session, and additional sessions may be needed. Sessions can be done virtually. You will be asked questions about your reasons for receiving donated eggs, your life circumstances, and your current stresses, among other topics. Your counselor will also facilitate a discussion of issues surrounding donated eggs, like the potential for future regret, disclosure to your future child, and future contact with your donor. There is not a “right answer” for many of these issues! They are simply topics that should be discussed if you are considering becoming a recipient. You will also be provided with resources and supports available to recipients. Psychological testing is not usually required, but it may be considered if a person has an active psychological issue or appears impaired in some way. At the end of the process, your counselor will write a letter that briefly summarizes the topics discussed and states whether you have completed your pre-conception counseling.
Gestational Carrier (GC) Evaluations
Why is a Gestational Carrier evaluated?
GC evaluations are requested by fertility clinics for reasons like that for other donors: to minimize the risk of psychological harm, to estimate the GC’s ability to comply with the demands of being a carrier, and to ensure the GC’s informed consent. In addition, the evaluation should assess issues related to the GC’s pregnancy and ability to separate from the child after birth. As with other donor evaluations, the purpose is to investigate whether a potential carrier is likely to experience problematic psychological or emotional effects from being a carrier, to ensure she understands the process and potential consequences of the decision, and to protect individuals who may be coerced. Intended parents are also evaluated to ensure they understand the process and risks, and the evaluation is designed to help all those involved to become clear and comfortable with a GC arrangement.
What can I expect from a Gestational Carrier evaluation?
If you are planning to be a GC, you can expect to be interviewed for about 2 hours, and interviews can be done virtually. You will be asked questions about your history, including about your family, relationships, school, and physical/ mental health. You will also be asked questions about why you want to be a GC and your understanding of the process and possible consequences of doing so. If you have a significant other (like a spouse or live-in partner), that person will also be interviewed. You and your partner will complete psychological testing that assesses personality traits and psychological issues, and the test takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete. If you are an intended parent, you can expect a similar interview and the same psychological testing, and this portion of the evaluation can be completed separately if you are not yet matched with a GC. Finally, a joint counseling session is held with the GC and the intended parents to discuss the relationship and expectations for the arrangement. The evaluator will then write a letter that summarizes the evaluation(s) and states whether it appears all parties are prepared to move forward with the arrangement. Intended parents are also offered counseling sessions as needed throughout the arrangement and postpartum periods.
Need an evaluation?
Contact lisa@kkjpsych.com