Oocyte cryopreservation as a strategy to overcome age-related fertility loss

Abstract

Fertility rates in developed countries are declining. This is due to delayed childbearing which results in reduced fertility when the female tries for a child at an older age. The situation in Singapore is examined, as it is a good example of a developed country. Demographics show that marriages now occur later, and the first-born is to mothers who are becoming older. It is a biological fact that as the woman gets older, she is less fertile. With vitrification, it is now possible to cryopreserve these oocytes. This approach is now accepted by many medical organizations though there is a need to provide unbiased patient information so that she can make an informed decision. Possible down-sides to this strategy to ‘stop the clock’ (delay progression in age-related fertility decline) include elderly gravida and the accompanying obstetric problems. Another down-side to such a strategy will result in a large number of oocyte (egg) banks, and a large number of unclaimed oocytes. Elective oocyte cryopreservation...