Embryo Cryopreservation: What do couples think about it?

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the perspectives of infertile couples regarding embryo cryopreservation throughout assisted reproduction treatment.

METHODS

The convenience sample included infertile couples undergoing assisted reproduction treatment. They responded to a questionnaire specifically designed to gauge views and opinions on cryopreservation of surplus embryos. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, employing the Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact tests (p<0.05).

RESULTS

The study included 187 couples, with average ages of 35 years for women and 38 years for men. A total of 182 couples (97.3%) agreed with the practice of freezing surplus embryos and, the desire to increase the odds of pregnancy within the same ovarian stimulation cycle was the main motivation (89%). Almost 40% of participants said they might consider embryo donation to other couples for assisted reproductive treatment. However, less than 20% of volunteers (15.38% of women and 12.08% of men) expressed the desire to donate for research purposes. Women with higher levels of education were significantly (p<0.05) more likely to support the donation of surplus embryos for research. Gender, religion, and education did not influence (p>0.05) the respondents' perspectives regarding the beginning of life and posthumous conception.

CONCLUSIONS

Embryo cryopreservation provides infertile couples with hope however, the fate of surplus embryos remains controversial. A careful approach with appropriate regulation is necessary to ensure safe and ethical practices.