Oocyte vitrification as an efficient option for elective fertility preservation

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Assisted Reproductive Technologies
• Oocyte Cryopreservation

Background:

• Elective fertility preservation (EFP) using oocyte vitrification is an increasingly utilized option for women delaying childbearing.
• Understanding the success rates and influencing factors is crucial for patient counseling and treatment planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the current status of oocyte vitrification for elective fertility preservation.
• To analyze survival and cumulative live birth rates (CLBR) based on age and oocyte yield.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational multicenter study involving 1,468 women undergoing EFP.
• Data collected from January 2007 to April 2015 at a private university-affiliated center.
• Outcome measures included oocyte survival and CLBR per consumed oocyte.

Main Results:

• Overall oocyte survival rate was 85.2%.
• Live birth rates were significantly higher for women ≤35 years old (50%) compared to those ≥36 years old (22.9%).
• CLBR increased more rapidly in younger women, reaching a plateau with 8-10 oocytes, while older women required more oocytes for a lower plateau.

Conclusions:

• A minimum of 8-10 metaphase II oocytes are generally needed for successful outcomes with EFP.
• Oocyte numbers should be individualized for women over 36 years old.
• Encouraging younger women (<36) to pursue EFP can enhance their chances of success.