Social egg freezing among single females: Middle Eastern point of view

Objective: This study aimed to assess the beliefs, barriers, and attitudes towards oocyte cryopreservation in Jordanian females. Understanding these aspects in our region can help healthcare providers identify similarities and differences compared to other geographic areas, which could facilitate a proper approach and informed counseling. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey using Google^® forms (Google, Mountain View, CA, USA). The questions were designed to target a convenience sample of single women (never married, divorced, or widowed) aged 18-64 years in Jordan. Of the 400 women approached, 345 completed the questionnaire voluntarily. Responses were collected and analyzed using the software program SPSS^® 23.0 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). Results: The results highlight notable deficiencies in women's understanding of the expenses, procedures, and success rates of oocyte freezing as a feasible method for fertility preservation. Most participants stated that the main barriers to oocyte cryopreservation were cost (87.5%), future husband rejection (76.8%), and social exclusion (72.2%). However, a significant number of participants admitted that this procedure would encourage late marriage and increase the chance of pregnancy in cases of late marriage and fertility problems. Conclusion: Women in this study had poor knowledge, but generally had positive attitudes toward oocyte cryopreservation. Educational campaigns are warranted to enhance knowledge and positive attitudes.