Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the perception of planned oocyte cryopreservation in the United States.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on attitudes toward planned oocyte cryopreservation (OC).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Internet-based survey questionnaire distributed nationally.

PATIENTS

One thousand women aged 21-45 years, stratified by age ≤35 or >35 years.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Change in the likelihood of considering OC because of the pandemic.

RESULTS

Of the participants who reported that the pandemic altered their likelihood of considering OC (15.2%, n = 152), 52.6% (n = 80) reported an increased and 47.3% (n = 72) reported a decreased likelihood of considering OC. Vaccination status did not affect the likelihood of considering OC. In multivariable analysis, history of COVID-19 infection (odds ratio [OR] 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-2.45), government-subsidized insurance (OR 1.47; 95% CI 0.97-2.21), loss of health insurance because of the pandemic (OR 2.32; 95% CI 1.15-4.66), working more (OR 2.99; 95% CI 1.62-5.51) or less (OR 2.54; 95% CI 1.65-3.90) because of the pandemic, and relationship status (divorced, separated, or widowed [OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.20-0.99]) were significantly associated with a change in the likelihood of considering OC because of the pandemic. Of those who believed that the COVID-19 pandemic influenced their childbearing plans (28.3%, n = 283), 64.0% (n = 181) deferred childbearing and 29.7% (n = 84) expedited childbearing. The pandemic's economic impact, concerns regarding safety of pregnancy/childbirth, and safety of childrearing were cited as most influential on childbearing (67%, 70%, 58%, respectively) and on the likelihood of considering OC (47%, 45%, and 34%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Through its negative impact on financial security and perceived safety, the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the likelihood of considering OC in >15% of reproductive-aged women and reproductive timelines in 30%. Vaccination has not significantly modified these changes.