Ethical and psychological considerations in fertility preservation counseling

Exploring the Landscape of Social Egg Freezing: Navigating Medical Advancements, Ethical Dilemmas, and Societal Impacts

This narrative review article comprehensively explores the multifaceted landscape of social egg freezing, delving into its medical, ethical, societal, psychological, legal, and cultural dimensions. Oocyte cryopreservation, a developing procedure, gives women the chance to match their life goals with fertility goals. Informed decision-making, morally sound guidance, and open communication are all stressed by ethical considerations. Family planning practices, workplace cultures, and gender equality all have an impact on societal dynamics. The process's emotional toll and associated coping mechanisms are highlighted by psychological elements. Legal and policy frameworks need constant ethical reflection and understanding of the regulatory environment. Religious and cultural views highlight the variety of perspectives that influence attitudes toward this practice. For responsible practice to ensure individual liberty while navigating the evolving landscape of reproductive options, it is essential to comprehend how these aspects interact.

Fertility Preservation Decisions Among Newly Diagnosed Oncology Patients: A Single-Center Experience

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate fertility preservation decisions and compare controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) and assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes between newly diagnosed cancer patients and age-matched healthy controls.

METHODS

Our retrospective study was conducted at Columbia University's Center for Women's Reproductive Care between 2005 and 2012. Forty-nine women elected to undergo ART with COS for either oocyte or embryo cryopreservation before commencement of cancer therapy. Demographic and descriptive characteristics were collected from the cohort of patients. Treatment outcomes were compared with randomly selected, healthy, age-matched controls undergoing ART with COS during the same time period.

RESULTS

Single women began fertility preservation cycles in half the time of married women (10.4 vs. 22.9 d). All 21 married women chose embryo cryopreservation, whereas 17 of the 28 (61%) single women chose embryo over oocyte cryopreservation. Baseline anti-Mullerian hormone levels and body mass indices were similar among fertility preservation patients and controls. Despite elevated baseline estradiol (E2) levels and luteal phase cycle starts in some cycles to avoid delay of cancer treatment, no significant differences were noted when comparing days of stimulation, total gonadotropins prescribed, numbers of oocytes and mature oocytes retrieved, fertilization rate, or cancellation rate to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experience shows that, with appropriate counseling and multidisciplinary care, newly diagnosed cancer patients desiring fertility preservation experience similar outcomes as age-matched healthy controls. These women can pursue oocyte or embryo cryopreservation with likely minimal disruption to the flow of their oncologic care.