Cryopreservation of Oocytes

Cryopreservation of oocytes, which is commonly performed for egg donation or because of gonadotoxic therapy or surgery threatening the ovaries, is an option for women who elect to delay childbearing. Factors affecting live-birth rates and uncertainties are reviewed. Foreword This Journal feature begins with a case vignette highlighting a common clinical problem. Evidence supporting various strategies is then presented, followed by a review of formal guidelines, when they exist. The article ends with the author’s clinical recommendations. Stage A 32-year-old woman who recently ended a relationship with her long-term boyfriend is concerned about her future fertility. She has received regular gynecologic checkups that have always been normal, and she has been taking oral contraceptive pills for the past 5 years. She is interested in exploring options to preserve her ability to have children in the future. How would you counsel her and what would you recommend regarding preservation of her fertility? The Clinical Problem Women have a finite pool of oocytes that decreases throughout their reproductive years, with fewer than 1000 eggs remaining at the onset of . . .