Abstract

Oocyte vitrification is a reproductive technology with acceptable efficiency and different indications for use. The cryopreservation of oocytes has simplified oocyte donation and opened a new perspective for young oncologic patients concerning their fertility preservation. On the other hand the given measures have provided women with “social freezing”, an elective postponement of motherhood. Irrespective of all benefits accompanying egg freezing, the available data on perinatal outcome and long-term effect on children’s health is scarce. In addition to that, the complications of IVF also apply to fertilization following oocyte cryopreservation and the procedure does not secure a following pregnancy or childbirth. Lack of national registries collecting statistical information concerning oocyte cryopreservation makes matters even more complicated. The decision of using social freezing should therefore be carefully considered until sufficient accumulation of reliable information confirming safety of oocyte cryopreservation.