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

Victoria Vallejo, Joseph A. Lee, Lisa Schuman, Georgia Witkin, Enrique Cervantes, Benjamin Sandler, Alan B. Copperman

Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, USA.
Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, New York, USA&Reproductive Endocrinology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/ojog.2013.31001                

Abstract

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.

Keywords

Eelective Oocyte Cryopreservation; Basal Antral Follicle Count (BAFC); Psychological Counseling; Modern Society; Motherhood.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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