Assessing reproductive choices of women and the likelihood of oocyte cryopreservation in the era of elective oocyte freezing

Abstract

Objective: To assess reproductive choices of reproductive-age women in the United States and factors that influence consideration of elective egg freezing (EF).

Design: Cross-sectional internet-based survey.

Setting: Not applicable.

Patients: One thousand women aged 21-45 years.

Intervention(s): An anonymous 63-item self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a representative cross-section of women aged 21-45 years, stratified by age <35 years. One-half of the sample had at least one child, and the other one-half did not. All of the participants were interested in having children.

Main outcome measure(s): Ordinal logistic regression was performed to characterize the association of population characteristics and reproductive knowledge with likelihood to consider EF. Willingness to pay was assessed with the use of a linear prediction model that calculated dollar amounts at varying success rates.

Result(s): Overall, 87.2% of the sample reported awareness of EF for fertility preservation and 25% would consider this option, yet only 29.8% knew what the EF process entails. Once informed of the process, 30% of women changed their level of consideration. In a multivariable model, Asian race, single status, and infertility increased the likelihood of considering EF. Women likely to consider egg freezing would be willing to pay $3,811.55 (95% confidence interval $2,862.66-$4,760.44). If the total cost were $10,000, 91% of the cohort would accept at minimum a 50% chance of successful delivery.

Conclusion(s): This study is one of the largest cohorts of reproductive-age women in the United States addressing reproductive choices and factors associated with the importance of having a biologically related child and the likelihood of considering EF to preserve fertility. This study provides important insight into the willingness to pay for this elective endeavor.

Keywords: Oocyte cryopreservation; elective egg freezing; fertility preservation; willingness to pay.