Social and psychological assessment of women undergoing elective oocyte cryopreservation: A 7-year analysis

Our study focused on a retrospective analysis from 2004-2011 of patients considering elective oocyte cryopreservation (OC). We investigated the psychological and social aspects related to women who electively cryopreserve oocytes. Over seven years, consulted patients (n = 315) considering non-medical OC were interviewed by the staff therapists. Social, demographic, motivational impetus, psychological factors and local to national economy were analyzed in association with trends in elective OC. Patient disclosure, fertility assessment and receptivity to potential single motherhood were other aspects examined. Statistical analysis was performed with Student’s t-test, Pearson’s correlation and Chi-square analysis. Advanced technology, decreased age (<35), anual per capita income, levels of follicular stimulant hormone (FSH) and basal antral follicular count (BAFC) were demonstrated to be the most influential factors of elective OC. The mean age of elective OC patients was 38.6 ± 1.83 with nearly 80% of these patients disclosing their decisions either with family and/or friends. Clinical perception has increasingly improved the availability and efficacy of elective oocyte cryopreservation, albeit minimal publications have studied the social and epidemiological aspects of such patients. We identified these patients are often motivated by a key life event such as a birthday, are educated and professional, and often disclose their treatment to close friends and family. Understanding the psychological aspects of egg freezing patients will engender clinicians the ability to meet patients’ needs and appropriately counsel them.