New family configurations are emerging concurrently with improved assisted
reproduction techniques, including the use of donated gametes. Most indications
for treatment when using donated eggs are caused by an age-related decrease in
reproductive capacity. We evaluated the emotional state regarding accepting egg
donation in participants who chose this option for in vitro fertilization
cycles. This is a retrospective, Brazilian cohort study, based on data collected
from sixty psychological counseling sessions with participants that opted to be
enrolled in an egg donation program. A single professional conducted
semi-structured psychological counselling sessions. The data were analyzed using
a thematic analysis as the qualitative methodology. Two years after the
psychological counseling sessions, participants were contacted to obtain
information about their outcomes. Of 60 sessions, 19 (32%) were classified as
involving participants with positive emotional state (group 1), 14 (23%) with
unfavorable emotional state (group 2), and 27 (45%) without evident
classification (group 3). Three couples did not undergo treatment until two
years after the psychological counselling session and the other couples
underwent treatment in a period ranging from 1-8 months after the session. This
is the first study in the Brazilian population regarding the acceptance of egg
donation. The process of acceptance of infertility and the impossibility to have
a biological child is fundamental to gradually accepting a new way of becoming a
parent. Psychological counseling can contribute to reflecting on the use of
donated eggs, exploring its emotional implications and identifying the need for
psychotherapeutic work to address conflict and suffering.