Perceptions, outcomes, and regret following social egg freezing in the UK; a cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

Introduction Social egg freezing enhances reproductive autonomy by empowering women with the capacity to delay their childbearing years, while preserving the opportunity to maintain biological relation with subsequent offspring. However, age‐related obstetric complications, economic implications and the risk of unsuccessful future treatment make it a controversial option. Despite the upward trend in women electively cryopreserving their eggs, there is limited data about the women’s perceptions, having undergone the process. The aim of this study was to investigate the motivations of women who have undergone social egg freezing, identify their perceptions following treatment, and assess potential feelings of regret. Material and methods This cross‐sectional survey, based at a fertility clinic in the UK, used an electronic questionnaire to assess the motivations and perceptions of women who underwent social egg freezing between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2018. Results One hundred questionnaires were distributed, and 85 women responded (85% response rate). The most frequent reason for freezing oocytes was not having a partner with 56 (70%) women saying it “definitely” influenced their decision. The majority of women (83%; n = 68) knew there was a chance of treatment failure in the future and that a live birth could not be guaranteed. More than half (n = 39; 51%) disagreed or strongly disagreed that the 10‐year UK storage limit is fair. One‐third of respondents (n = 17; 33%) felt the storage time should be indefinite and 29% (n = 15) believed it should be up to the age of 50. Twenty percent (n = 15) of the women who underwent social egg freezing have successfully had a baby or are currently pregnant, half (n = 8; 53%) of whom conceived spontaneously and a quarter (n = 4; 26%) used their stored oocytes. In all, 91% (n = 73) had no regrets over their decision to undergo social egg freezing. Conclusions We demonstrate herein important and novel insights into the motivations and perceptions of women from a UK population who have undergone social egg freezing. Despite potential physical, psychological, and financial burdens, only a small minority of women experience regret after social egg freezing. We also highlight clear discontent with the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority storage limit among social egg freezers in the UK.

Exploring women’s attitudes, knowledge, and intentions to use oocyte freezing for non‐medical reasons: A systematic review

“…Over one‐third of participants in two studies cited fear of future regret as a significant decision‐making factor 50,51 . Forty‐one percent of OFNMR users in Jones et al's study felt less pressure to conceive having undertaken OFNMR 27 …”

“…Career advancement was not found to be a strong motivating factor in studies exploring reasons for women undertaking OFNMR 27,40,41,43 . Interestingly, career advancement as a motivator for undergoing OFNMR was only reported by two of 150 women in one study 40 and one of 150 women in another, 41 despite women speaking of work‐life balance as a hindrance to forming partnerships and reproducing 16,41 …”

“…One study explored knowledge of the maximum period of time for which oocytes can be stored for in the UK, 79% (n = 60) of respondents correctly identified this as 10 years. However, 7% (n = 5) incorrectly answered the question and 14% (n = 11) were “unsure” 27 …”

“…Fifteen studies reported that “lack of suitable partner” to enter parenthood with was a motivating factor for pursuing OFNMR in known or potential users 16,17,27,39‐49 and a significant proportion of these studies found that it was the primary motivator in a majority of women 16,27,40,43,47 . Women expressed the desire to form a “conventional” family and share parenthood with a future partner and so avoid “panic partnering” 16,39‐42,46,47,49‐51 .…”

“…Additionally, being single appears to be an independent factor increasing the likelihood of undergoing OFNMR. Eight studies found that over 70% of women undergoing or considering OFNMR were single at the time of freezing 16,27,39‐43,46 …”