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Date of Award

Spring 2024

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)

Department

Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences

First Advisor

Lisa Akselrad PA-C, MSPAS

Abstract

Egg freezing (medically known as oocyte cryopreservation) has become an increasingly popular assisted reproductive technology (ART) option for those seeking to delay motherhood for various personal, educational, professional purposes. Oocyte cryopreservation is a process where a woman's eggs (oocytes) are extracted while they are still of reproductive age, frozen, and stored to preserve reproductive potential. Then, at a later desired date, the eggs are thawed, combined with sperm to create an embryo & implanted into the uterus during an embryo transfer cycle. The concept of “elective” or “social egg freezing” has introduced oocyte cryopreservation as a preventative option that allows women to preserve their fertility in anticipation of age-related fertility decline. However, it is critical for healthcare providers and fertility clinics to stress the importance of educating patients to make informed decision on delaying motherhood via egg freezing. The aim of this Special Interest Article is to help explore the risks vs benefits of oocyte cryopreservation as a preventative option for patients planning to delay childbearing until advanced maternal age (≥35 years).

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Oocyte cryopreservation for prevention against aging-related fertility decline

Egg freezing (medically known as oocyte cryopreservation) has become an increasingly popular assisted reproductive technology (ART) option for those seeking to delay motherhood for various personal, educational, professional purposes. Oocyte cryopreservation is a process where a woman's eggs (oocytes) are extracted while they are still of reproductive age, frozen, and stored to preserve reproductive potential. Then, at a later desired date, the eggs are thawed, combined with sperm to create an embryo & implanted into the uterus during an embryo transfer cycle. The concept of “elective” or “social egg freezing” has introduced oocyte cryopreservation as a preventative option that allows women to preserve their fertility in anticipation of age-related fertility decline. However, it is critical for healthcare providers and fertility clinics to stress the importance of educating patients to make informed decision on delaying motherhood via egg freezing. The aim of this Special Interest Article is to help explore the risks vs benefits of oocyte cryopreservation as a preventative option for patients planning to delay childbearing until advanced maternal age (≥35 years).