Elective egg freezing: what is the vision of women around the globe?

• Published in: Future science OA 2020-06, Vol.6 (5), p.FSO468-FSO468
• Main Authors: Nasab, Susan, Ulin, Lindsey, Nkele, Chikara, Shah, Jaimin, Abdallah, Mazen E, Sibai, Baha M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: elective egg freezing; fertility preservation; oocyte cryopreservation; Review; social egg freezing
• ISSN: 2056-5623; 2056-5623
• DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2019-0068

The interest in oocyte cryopreservation (OC) for nonmedically indicated reasons is increasing. Knowing women’s beliefs and knowledge from various geographic regions could help providers to understand the similarities and differences that could facilitate proper counseling. Articles about social egg freezing published over the past 18 years were extracted from the literature. We demonstrated that there are common rationales toward OC among women in the USA and other countries. The ultimate goal was to prolong fertility. The most commonly reported reasons were aging, lack of partner, career and financial status. The beliefs and rationales toward elective OC among women in the USA and other countries are consistent. The interest in oocyte cryopreservation for nonmedical reasons, known as elective egg freezing, is increasing, owing to several personal and social factors. The understanding of the attitudes and beliefs of women from a variety of geographies could aid in the provision of proper counseling. This review examined prior literature and demonstrated that there are common rationales for oocyte cryopreservation, including aging, lack of partner, career, financial status and not being ready to have a child. It highlighted that there is a necessity for further education and awareness.