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. 2024 Oct;41(10):2813-2822.
doi: 10.1007/s10815-024-03222-6. Epub 2024 Aug 14.

Patient experience of social and medical fertility preservation fully reimbursed in France

Estelle Hagege  1 , Paul Pirtea  2 , Julie Burette  3 , Anne-Sophie Canepa  3 , Olivier Graesslin  3 , Dominique de Ziegler  2
Affiliations

Patient experience of social and medical fertility preservation fully reimbursed in France

Estelle Hagege et al. J Assist Reprod Genet. 2024 Oct.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to review patient experience with social fertility preservation (sFP), as compared to medical fertility preservation (mFP), in a context where sFP is fully reimbursed.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving patients who underwent oocyte cryopreservation for mFP between 2017 and 2023 and sFP between 2022 and 2023 at a large ART single center. Additionally, we surveyed patients undergoing sFP and mFP, regarding their experiences, intentions, awareness, and financial consideration.

Results: A total of 97 oocyte retrievals were performed for sFP in 75 women, and 155 were performed in mFP (127 women). Median ages were 36.4 years for sFP and 28.9 years for mFP. Median oocytes retrieved per session were 10 for sFP and 8 for mFP. Ninety-seven percent of of mFP participants were informed by healthcare professionals, while half of sFP participants learned through personal acquaintances. The primary motivation for sFP was a desire for pregnancy while being single. Most respondents in both groups knew that 15-20 oocytes are typically needed for a successful birth. None were aware of the "DuoStim" option, but interest was expressed by most women. Surprisingly, despite full reimbursement for sFP in France, 78% expressed willingness to pay if necessary.

Conclusion: Many women choose sFP due to concerns about declining fertility, often informed by non-medical sources. Free access to sFP can help mitigate the global decline in natality by allowing women to anticipate age-related fertility decline. This study should be considered by other countries as they may increasingly cover sFP costs in the future.

Keywords: Cost reproductive treatment; Experience; Fertility preservation; Oocyte cryopreservation/ freezing; Social/non-medical/medical egg freezing.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Motivations and preferences in sFP: insights from oocyte cryopreservation surveys
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Intentions and perspectives on the use of preserved oocytes
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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