Can You Donate Eggs if You Have Anxiety?

As a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in fertility, one of the most common questions I hear from potential egg donors is whether they can donate if they have anxiety. The short answer is: it depends. While anxiety doesn't automatically disqualify someone from egg donation, its severity, management, and impact on daily life all factor into eligibility.

The egg donation process involves medical procedures, hormone treatments, and emotional considerations that can be challenging even for those without anxiety. Understanding how anxiety might affect your experience - and whether your specific symptoms could impact the donation process - is key to making an informed decision.

This article breaks down what you need to know about anxiety and egg donation, from medical screening requirements to practical considerations, based on my experience working with hundreds of donors. We'll explore how different types of anxiety might affect eligibility, what to expect during screening, and factors to consider when making your decision.

Basic requirements for egg donors

In order to become an egg donor, clinics have certain requirements that are driven by industry guidelines. Basic eligibility typically includes the following:

• A donor should be between the ages of 21 and 34 years old
• Have regular menstrual cycles 
• No history of smoking, drug use, or excessive alcohol consumption
• No chronic medical conditions 
• No personal or family history of significant genetic diseases
• Must test negative for HIV, Hepatitis B/C, syphilis, and other infections
• No recent use of certain medications 
• Be willing to undergo medical procedures and hormone injections for several weeks.

Egg donors also go through a medical assessment to ensure the donor is in optimal health and can safely undergo the process. For example, blood tests will be done to check AMH (Anti-Müllerian hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) to determine egg quantity. Estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone, and thyroid function will also be checked. 

Mental health evaluation during screening

Egg donation programs also require a psychological evaluation as part of the screening process  to ensure emotional stability or the ability to handle the medical, emotional, and ethical aspects of donation. This screening helps protect both the donor and the intended parents by ensuring that donors are mentally stable, emotionally prepared, and capable of making informed decisions. 

Mental health conditions such as severe anxiety and depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or personality disorders are also assessed as the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) guidelines recommend excluding individuals with severe psychiatric conditions.

How anxiety affects egg donation eligibility

While having a mental health condition is not automatically disqualifying, certain personality disorders and severe mental health conditions are typically considered contraindications due to the potential risks involved. For example, mild or well-controlled anxiety - especially if managed with therapy or certain medications - may not be an issue. However, more severe anxiety, especially if it affects daily functioning, requires strong medication, has led to panic attacks, or hospitalization, could be a concern.

Medication considerations and hormone effects

Some clinics may disqualify donors who take certain psychiatric medications due to potential effects of the egg freezing medication as the hormones may intensify anxiety symptoms, mood swings, and emotional distress. 

If anxiety is well-managed with medication, stopping the medication could cause a relapse of symptoms like panic attacks, insomnia, or emotional distress. Stopping some medications (like SSRIs) can cause withdrawal effects such as dizziness, nausea, irritability, and worsening anxiety. Even tapering off can make someone feel more emotionally vulnerable, which may impact decision-making and well-being during the process. Even if one tapers off safely, anxiety may return, especially under stress from egg retrieval and hormonal stimulation. Some clinics automatically disqualify donors on psychiatric medications, while others consider cases individually. 

Research indicates that injectable fertility treatments, such as those used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and egg freezing, can intensify anxiety symptoms in some individuals. A review highlighted that individuals undergoing IVF often experience elevated anxiety levels, particularly during specific stages of the treatment process. This is not just because of the hormones but the process itself can be  physically demanding, requiring multiple medical appointments, and for some donors the pressure to meet clinic or recipient expectations can trigger feelings of inadequacy or anxiety.

Support strategies for donors with anxiety

So what if you are an anxious person but have never been diagnosed and have never used medication, can you still donate? Possibly, especially if you can learn to manage some of the anxiety that may naturally occur during the process. If your clinic offers specialized fertility counseling services, utilize them to help prepare for the emotional challenges. Connecting with other women who have gone through the egg donation process is a great way to set realistic expectations of the process. This support can also help you feel less isolated and provide practical advice for managing anxiety. Practices that focus on relaxation - such as yoga or deep breathing exercises - can help calm the nervous system and reduce feelings of anxiety. Maintaining a healthy diet and ensuring sufficient sleep can play a crucial role in overall emotional well-being, helping manage anxiety better. Some people find relief from anxiety by engaging in creative activities such as journaling, drawing, or crafting.

Making your decision: Next steps to consider

Should you donate if you have anxiety? Well, it all depends on how well your anxiety is managed, how you handle stress, and whether you’re prepared for the process. If you’re considering it, speaking with a fertility specialist and a mental health professional can help you make an informed decision. It is essential to always be honest about medical history when applying. Lying or withholding information could lead to medical risks or legal issues. Finally, be clear with yourself about what kind of support you need during moments of anxiety, whether it’s someone to listen, help with logistics, or simply provide reassurance during difficult moments. The goal is to ensure that the donor feels emotionally and physically safe and supported throughout the entire experience.