Is planned oocyte cryopreservation delivering?

The objective of this review is to determine whether planned oocyte cryopreservation is successfully providing women with reproductive autonomy and the opportunity to shape their families. Planned oocyte cryopreservation is an established means to expand the reproductive function of oocytes and is not associated with an increased risk of congenital anomalies or short-term health risks to the offspring. There is sufficient clinical evidence to support the success of planned oocyte cryopreservation; however, this technology does not guarantee live birth, and outcomes greatly depend on both the age at cryopreservation and the total number of cryopreserved oocytes. While reproducibility between centres must be improved, the results from the authors two large, experienced centres are consistent and provide useful data for patient counselling. Planned oocyte cryopreservation provides the highest cumulative live birth rates (>75%) when it is performed below the age of 35 years and 15-20 or more mature oocytes are cryopreserved. Live birth rates from planned oocyte cryopreservation at an ideal age are higher than live birth rates from women who delay childbearing past their reproductive prime and then attempt natural conception followed by IVF if they are unsuccessful.