The status of oocyte cryopreservation in the United States

To determine the current status of oocyte cryopreservation across the United States, and the perceived indications for its use.

Cross-sectional survey of all IVF Centers in the United States.

Telephone and fax based survey of all IVF practice or laboratory directors, conducted March to June of 2009.

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Prevalence of oocyte cryopreservation, acceptable indications and age groups, number of oocyte cryopreservation cycles performed and thawed, fertilization and pregnancy rates, number of live births.

Of 442 centers contacted, 282 (64%) responded in 49 states. In these centers 143 (51%) programs currently offer oocyte cryopreservation, with a geographic trend toward the western-located clinics. Of all programs, 36% offer oocyte cryopreservation only for cancer patients or as an alternative to embryo cryopreservation after IVF, whereas 64% of programs offer it electively in women of advancing maternal age. For elective indications, 87% of programs accept patients aged 35-37 years, 49% consider age 38-40 years as acceptable, whereas only 26% of programs cryopreserve oocytes beyond age 40 years. Three hundred thirty-seven live births resulting from 857 thawed cycles (39.3% pregnancy rate [PR]) were reported across all centers.

Oocyte cryopreservation is offered in more than 50% of ART clinics in the United States. Most programs that perform oocyte cryopreservation for cancer indications offer it for elective delay of childbearing as well. These data suggest a growing acceptance for this technology within our field.