OBJECTIVE: Oocyte donation (OD) was once a treatment for severely compromised ovarian function and more readily accepted by younger women for treatment of pathologic causes of diminished ovarian reserve, but as OD becomes more socially accepted, older women with diminished fertility from aging are more open to OD to initiate pregnancies. Since these women are more likely to choose donors to achieve a lifestyle rather than be satisfied with the possibility of initiating any pregnancy, desired donor characteristics may change. To assess this, we compared recipient candidate demographics. DESIGN: Retrospective review in a private OD program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 61 recipient candidates from 2002-04 were compared to 73 from 2008 by age, partner's age, marital status, religion and donor characteristics sought. Requests for intelligence, attractiveness, religious affiliation, similar ethnic background and similar looks to recipient were recorded. One clinician conducted all interviews, and the questionnaire remained unchanged during the study period. T-tests and χ2 tests were applied using AnalyzeIT. RESULTS: No difference in recipient age (41.4±4.7 vs. 41.7±4.9, p=0.75), partner age (42.2±8.6 vs. 42.2±7.4, p=0.97), marital status (married 87% vs. 77%, single 5% vs. 8%, same sex partner 2% vs. 3%, unmarried partner 7% vs. 12%, p=0.53), or religion (p=0.11). Demands for donor requirements were increased for intelligence (22% vs. 71%, p<0.0001) and similarity of background (13 vs. 47%, p<0.0001), but decreased for attractiveness (18% vs. 6%, p=0.04). There was no difference in requirement for similar looks to recipient (p=0.20) or religion (p=0.88). CONCLUSIONS: Requests for specific donor characteristics change as does the “ideal” donor. As OD becomes more common to extend fertility, there may be an effect on favored donor characteristics. Psychological counseling and emotional support are imperative for OD candidates. Continued evaluation of these trends may assist optimization of donor/recipient matching.