The optimal age to cryopreserve oocytes for later use is before 36 years. Current users are on average 38 years old. In this cross-sectional study an online survey was constructed about the factors associated with the intentions of childless women aged 28-35 years to use fertility preservation (FP). Questions were derived from the Theory of Planned Behaviour (attitudes and subjective norms regarding FP and perceived behaviour control to do FP) and the Health Belief Model (perceived susceptibility of infertility, perceived severity of childlessness, barriers and benefits of FP and cue to use FP). Also addressed were parenthood goals, fertility knowledge and intentions to use FP within 2 years. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling. The Health Belief Model showed a good fit to the data (χ(2) [14, n = 257] = 13.63, P = 0.477; CFI = 1.000: RMSEA = 00, 90% CI [0.00-0.06]). Higher intentions to use FP were associated with feeling susceptible to infertility, considering FP useful to achieve parenthood, perceiving the implications of infertility as severe, expecting to have children at a later age and having fewer ethical concerns. This suggests an increase of fertility awareness is necessary for the optimal use of FP.

The health belief and transtheoretical model were used to describe how women make decisions about fertility preservation (FP) and identify factors that predict their decisions. Methods: This is a two-year prospective study with 107 childless women aged 30-37. Women filled anonline survey assessing individual factors, intentions to do FP, variables of the health belief model, FP decisional stage and FP behaviour. Results: Womens intentions, desire and number of children wanted decreased, fertility knowledge and perceived susceptibility to infertility increased and perceived severity of infertility decreased. A low number of women progressed through the stages of the decision-making process. Only 14% reached a decision and all decided not to do FP. Women's baseline intentions to do FP predicted their decision. Conclusion: Women at the optimal age range to do FP (28-35 years) do not engage in decision-making about it, which reflects their initial low intentions to do FP. Women's decision about FP is influenced by their perceptions about the technique. Pratical implications: Women with a high desire for parenthood and within the optimal age range to do FP should receive accurate information about it and could benefit from prompts to engage in active decisionmaking about doing it.