CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Social profile and young women's views on egg freezing without medical indication
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Midwifery Department, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
Publication date: 2023-10-24
Corresponding author
Ioanna Bogiatzi
Midwifery Department, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
Eur J Midwifery 2023;7(Supplement 1):A106
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ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Oocyte cryopreservation is a new method of assisted reproduction with the aim of preserving fertility. Although it was initially used by women undergoing chemotherapy, now it is widely used for ‘’social reasons’’. The new way of life has changed women's biological clock, their thoughts about when is the right time for motherhood, finding the right partner and how they can balance their careers. The present research investigates the characteristics and lifestyle of young women aged 18-25, their opinion on oocyte cryopreservation and views on motherhood.
Material and Methods:
The research was conducted on a population of young women in Greece aged 18-25, using a quantitative method and closed-ended questions. This survey examined social status, beliefs on motherhood and attitudes towards egg freezing. It was constructed in electronic format through Outlook Microsoft Forms.
Results:
The electronic questionnaire is still ongoing with the number of participants who have answered so far being 180. Our results demonstrate that 71% of respondents are highly educated, most of them are working alongside their studies, and their habits such as drinking alcohol and smoking are in a small percentage (25%). The majority wish to have a child (67%), however, it is not their life goal. Seventy percent of the sample stated that their professional career and financial situation significantly influence their decision to start a family. When asked if they would undergo egg freezing in the future, only 15% answered yes. Most of our population know about this method (96%) and answer that the appropriate age to freeze your eggs is at 25-30 years.
Conclusions:
The social habits and sex life of our sample seem to be within expected limits. The majority of them prioritize education due to the fact that they are university students. Financial status and career appear to be key factors in whether they are ready to start a family with the right partner. A large percentage of our sample does not feel concerned to have a child so their answers are uncertain about whether they would undergo egg cryopreservation in the future.