TRENDS IN ELECTIVE EGG FREEZING BEFORE AND AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To compare trends in and rates of elective egg freezing (EF) cycles before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified all appointments for EF from June 2019-February 2020 (group 1, pre-pandemic) and June 2020-February 2021 (group 2, post-pandemic) for comparison. Total numbers of EF consultation appointments and retrievals, time to first EF cycle after initial consultation, as well as patient demographics were collected. Growth rates in EF cycles from pre- to post-pandemic were calculated as a whole, by time to first EF cycle from initial consultation, as well as by age group (<30, 30-34.9, 35-39.9, 40-44.9 and >45). RESULTS: Post-pandemic retrieval volume for EF increased by 39% compared to pre-pandemic despite only a 3% increase in new consultation appointments seen over the same timeframe. Demographics in patients pursuing EF between the two timeframes were similar (average age 36.8 years pre-pandemic vs 36.6 years post-pandemic). There was 44% growth in patients pursuing EF cycles in 90 days or less, primarily driven by increased numbers of EF cycles in the 30-34.9 year-old age group. CONCLUSIONS: Despite stable numbers of patients presenting for EF consultation pre- and post-pandemic, more EF retrieval cycles were observed post-pandemic, notably occurring at earlier timepoints from initial consultation and in patients <35. This may represent pandemic-related reevaluation of life goals, changes in financial status, and/or alterations in workplace flexibility. Qualitative survey data will provide further insight into the motivators and drivers of EF, particularly during a time of national crisis. Research focused on what factors were most responsible for the increase in EF cycles may enable providers and patients to make accommodations in the future. IMPACT STATEMENT Following the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed growth in EF cycle volume and the rates at which EF cycles were initiated after EF consultation. (Table Presented).