Oocyte Cryopreservation: Retrospective Analysis of 5 Years Experience

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To analyze demographic and clinical data of patients who resorted to oocyte freezing between January 2014 and December 2018.

STUDY DESIGN: Patients who applied to the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Unit of Ankara University School of Medicine between January 2014 and December 2018 with the request of oocyte freezing were included in this study. The files and computer records of the patients were analyzed retrospectively and sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory data were evaluated.

RESULTS: A total of 46 cycles were recorded in 40 patients over a 5-year period. The main indications were low ovarian reserve and/or advanced age (68.3%) and malignancy diagnosis (31.7%). There was a significant difference between elective fertility preservation and oncofertility preservation (Onco-FP) groups in terms of the age (38.4±4.7 vs 28.4±6.1; p=0.001). There was a significant difference between two groups in favor of oncofertility group in terms of anti-Mullerian hormone level, basal follicle-stimulating hormone level, antral follicle count, trigger day estradiol (E2) level, number of obtained oocytes, MII oocytes, and frozen oocytes

CONCLUSION: According to our study, the most prominent oocyte cryopreservation indication was advanced age and/or low ovarian reserve. The number of oocytes collected from patients in the Onco-FP group and thus the number of frozen oocytes was significantly higher than in the elective fertility preservation group, due to younger ages and better ovarian reserve in the Onco-FP group. Abdominal administration of the technique is particularly important for virgin patients in our country. Oocyte freezing is a fertility protection method available in a wide range of indications for reproductive-aged women.