Analysis of health impact following egg donation - UK patients 2014-2016

Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority did not have the information requested.

Dear Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority,

I have read the document produced by the HFEA “Fertility Treatment 2014–2016 Trends and Figures” and noted that there has been a steady increase in the number of people seeking IVF treatment and in the number of cycles attempted per patient.

Based on the above named report, and with reference to IVF patients who participate in the process for the sole purpose of donating their eggs between 2014-2016, please can you inform me of the figures in response to the following questions:

1. How many women experience serious symptom of OHSS, beyond the expected mild symptoms, such as rapid weight gain, persistent vomiting, blood clots, kidney failure and ovarian contortion?

2. How many women died as a result of donating their eggs?

3. How many women went on to suffer from ovarian cancer and breast cancer?

4. How many women have long term, negative impacts on their own fertility and ability to conceive after donating their eggs?

5. How many women experience long term health issues such as strokes?

If this data is not held by HFEA I would be most grateful if you could advise as to who I could contact to seek answers to the above questions.

With thanks and kind regards,

Yours faithfully,

Lexi

Enquiries Team, Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority

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If you have specific medical questions about your fertility, or treatment,
please speak to your clinic, or a medical professional.

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Intelligence Team, Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority

1 Attachment

Dear Lexi,

This response has been prepared in line with the Authority’s obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (‘FOIA’).

Your exact request was:

“I have read the document produced by the HFEA “Fertility Treatment 2014–2016 Trends and Figures” and noted that there has been a steady increase in the number of people seeking IVF treatment and in the number of cycles attempted per patient.

Based on the above named report, and with reference to IVF patients who participate in the process for the sole purpose of donating their eggs between 2014-2016, please can you inform me of the figures in response to the following questions:

1. How many women experience serious symptom of OHSS, beyond the expected mild symptoms, such as rapid weight gain, persistent vomiting, blood clots, kidney failure and ovarian contortion?

2. How many women died as a result of donating their eggs?

3. How many women went on to suffer from ovarian cancer and breast cancer?

4. How many women have long term, negative impacts on their own fertility and ability to conceive after donating their eggs?

5. How many women experience long term health issues such as strokes?”

The HFEA holds some information relevant to your request.

1. How many women experience serious symptom of OHSS, beyond the expected mild symptoms, such as rapid weight gain, persistent vomiting, blood clots, kidney failure and ovarian contortion?

Please find relevant data enclosed in the spreadsheet. This includes all records in our Register between 2014-16 where the stated reason for the cycle included donation or any cycle where eggs were donated and the number of those cycles that were stopped due to OHSS. Please note that the severity of OHSS is not recorded on the Register. This data is correct as of 23/10/2019. More information about OHSS can be found here: https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/patients/pati...

2. How many women died as a result of donating their eggs?

HFEA does not hold this information

3. How many women went on to suffer from ovarian cancer and breast cancer?

HFEA does not hold this information

4. How many women have long term, negative impacts on their own fertility and ability to conceive after donating their eggs?

HFEA does not hold this information

5. How many women experience long term health issues such as strokes?

HFEA does not hold this information

Should you be dissatisfied with the handling of your request, in the first instance, please write to the Director of Strategy and Corporate Affairs at the HFEA, 10 Spring Gardens, London, SW1A 2BU.

You also have a further right of appeal to the Information Commissioner, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF, Tel: 01625 545 700 or http://www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk.

Best wishes,
Stevan

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Dear Intelligence Team,

Thank you for your recent response. I understand that you are unable to assist as you do not hold this information.

Please can you advise or direct me to another department or contact who may be able to assist?

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Lexi