Storage trends, usage and disposition outcomes following egg freezing

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Oocyte Cryopreservation
• Assisted Reproductive Technology

Background:

• Oocyte cryopreservation (egg freezing) is increasingly utilized.
• Understanding the long-term outcomes and disposition of frozen eggs is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the outcomes of frozen eggs, including usage, storage duration, and final disposition.
• To analyze trends in egg freezing and thawing cycles over a decade.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of egg freezing cycles from 2012-2022.
• Data collected from seven assisted reproductive technology clinics in Victoria, Australia.
• Analysis included thaw cycles, live birth rates, and egg disposition (discarded, donated, exported).

Main Results:

• Patient numbers with stored eggs increased significantly from 2012 to 2022.
• Most thaw cycles involved eggs frozen for less than five years.
• A live birth rate of 12% per initiated thaw cycle was observed.
• A substantial number of eggs were ultimately discarded, donated, or exported, with varied storage durations.

Conclusions:

• A small proportion of patients utilize or relinquish their frozen eggs.
• Prolonged storage of surplus eggs necessitates supportive strategies for decision-making.
• Patient support is essential to align egg disposition decisions with individual preferences and values.