Quality of Life of Infertile Couples Undergoing Medically Assisted Procreation (PMA) With Gamete Donation. A Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction: The drop in the birth rate, especially in the Western world, has resulted in a widespread battle with infertility. The declining fertility rates have led to an increasing dependence on assisted reproductive technologies (ART). These methods provide hope for infertile couples but have notable emotional and psychological effects, especially when using heterologous techniques with gamete donation. Aim: To comprehend the issues and challenges experienced by infertile couples using medical assistance for procreation with gamete donation and to outline the benefits of this treatment. Material and methods: A scoping review was carried out following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, utilizing MedLine/ Pubmed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases. Results: The review included 9 out of the 9540 articles found. Moderate to severe anxiety was reported in up to 86.5 % of couples, while psychological support improved emotional states and reduced stress in 32 % of couples. Conclusion: Thoughtful guidance of the couple receiving the donation is crucial to minimize the adverse emotional effects and offer thorough psychological assistance, guaranteeing that healthcare facilities meet all the patient's requirements.