Knowledge and Response of Medical Students at Suez University Regarding Elective Oocytes Cryopreservation; A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: With the development of oocyte cryopreservation and the verification process, women who wish to delay pregnancy can avoid the need for donor oocytes and can use their own eggs at a later age. Objective: To know the knowledge of female medical students at Faculty of Medicine, Suez University regarding elective oocytes cryopreservation. Subjects and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study through a structured online survey about elective oocyte cryopreservation (egg freezing). The study included 173 Suez University medical students. Results: Of the total, 50.3% of the studentshad some knowledge about oocyte cryopreservation, 36.4% of them didn't consider oocyte freezing, 53.2% of them considered oocyte cryopreservation for medical causes (ex. while undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy), 69.4% of them didn't think that this procedure has a negative effect on their future fertility, 72.8% of them believed that oocytes freezing should be self-paid and 66.5% of them would be more amendable to freezing their eggs. Conclusion: Our study revealed an appreciable level of awareness about the oocytes freezing. We found that medical education has a positive impact on raising awareness regarding the causes of oocytes freezing, the availability, and its protective efficacy.