New tool helps women decide if egg freezing is right for them
Egg freezing is on the rise. More than 22,000 women in Australia and New Zealand underwent elective egg freezing between 2009 and 2023. Uptake has increased sharply, and there's little sign it will slow down anytime soon.
More women are turning to egg freezing as a means of preserving fertility, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. A new online tool designed to assist women in deciding if egg freezing aligns with their personal circumstances and goals has been launched. The rise in egg freezing has been tied to the gender mating gap, where well-educated, professional women often find themselves with fewer compatible male partners to start a family with.
This decision to freeze eggs is not a simple one, as it involves weighing immediate treatment needs against future uncertainties. Practical considerations include the process involved, fitting treatment into one's schedule, and costs, which can escalate with additional cycles. Long-term questions revolve around whether the eggs will be used, the potential for disappointment if treatment fails, and the emotional implications of storing unused eggs.
Research indicates that 78% of women who have contemplated egg freezing experience significant decisional conflict, leading to difficulties in making a decision and potentially increased regret. Reliable, trustworthy information is scarce, often simplified or biased, thus contributing to women's uncertainty. The new online Egg Freezing Decision Aid aims to bridge this gap by offering evidence-based, impartial information about the procedure, its risks, success rates, costs, and alternatives.
It also includes an interactive tool that allows women to weigh the pros and cons of egg freezing, reflecting on their personal priorities, and engaging with personal stories and questions to discuss with healthcare providers. An evaluation of this tool in a randomized controlled trial involving 306 women showed a significant reduction in decisional conflict, increased feelings of preparedness, and no increase in distress.
This tool is intended to be used before or alongside a clinical consultation, empowering women with the resources to make a decision that aligns with their individual values and circumstances.
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