Oocyte cryopreservation: a narrative review

Abstract

Premier Medical CentreOocyte cryopreservation is a method to preserve fertility for young cancer patients. Its indications have been extended to include the quarantine and storage of donor oocytes in egg donation programs, women with medical conditions that may culminate in premature ovarian insufficiency, and women who wish to safeguard fertility decline associated with ageing. In this review, we discuss the history of oocyte cryopreservation and its various clinical applications, with a focus on the safety of the procedure for cancer patients, especially those with hormone-dependent cancers such as breast cancers. We also discuss ethical considerations for women who are cryopreserving their oocytes to protect against age-related fertility loss, the optimal age to undergo oocyte cryopreservation, and the optimal number of oocytes to freeze. The risks associated with the procedure and potential risks to children born from cryopreserved oocytes are also addressed.

Overview of fertility preservation

“…Mature oocyte cryopreservation provides greater flexibility and autonomy on fertility decision. It is an alternative to married women, especially in case of potential change of future marital status 48 . Women can decide the timing and partner to start a family 48 .…”

“…It is an alternative to married women, especially in case of potential change of future marital status 48 . Women can decide the timing and partner to start a family 48 . Legally, women are prohibited to use cryopreserved embryos in situations such as divorce and decease of the partner.…”

“…15 to 20 oocytes are needed to secure a 70% to 80% probability of having one live birth in women under 38 years old 49 . As only 8 to 12 oocytes can be harvested in each ovarian stimulation cycle, more than one cycle is needed to harvest adequate oocytes, and the anti-cancer treatment may be further delay 48 .…”