Perceptions and attitudes towards elective egg freezing of Chinese college students: a survey from eastern China

J Assist Reprod Genet. 2022 Jun;39(6):1383-1392. doi: 10.1007/s10815-022-02502-3. Epub 2022 May 2.

Abstract

Purpose: Few options are available for preserving female fertility to postpone childbirth. Although egg freezing with successful thawing is now possible, women' attitudes towards its use or the circumstances under which this technique may be considered remain unclear.

Methods: This study is a cross-sectional online survey. From November 2020 to January 2021, 848 questionnaires were collected through the Questionnaire Star Network platform, and a total of 750 valid answers were obtained.

Results: For more than 40% of the interviewees, the level of knowledge about egg freezing was only 0-25%; 36.9% of the interviewees supported elective egg freezing, and the main factor affecting their approval was major; approximately 60% of interviewees believed that being married should not be a condition for freezing eggs; and 56.7% of the interviewees supported the establishment of an egg bank in China, and the main factor affecting their acceptance was the place of residence.

Conclusion: College students generally have a high level of recognition regarding elective egg freezing and the establishment of an egg bank, but their level of knowledge about egg freezing is low. Relevant knowledge must be strengthened to help college students achieve a correct understanding of elective egg freezing and egg bank establishment and then guide college students in developing a scientific dialectical attitude towards this technology.

Keywords: Assisted reproduction; College students; Female fertility; Oocyte banking; Oocyte cryopreservation.

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Cryopreservation
  • Female
  • Fertility Preservation* / methods
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Oocytes
  • Students
  • Surveys and Questionnaires