Publication:

From niche to norm: a 13-year single-centre retrospective analysis of oocyte cryopreservation trends in modern India

Background Oocyte cryopreservation (OC) has moved from a niche, largely medically-indicated procedure toward a mainstream fertility preservation option, but India-specific outcome data remain limited. This study aimed to describe demographic trends, oocyte yield, cycle repetition, and utilization patterns among women undergoing planned OC at a single Indian fertility IVF unit over a 13-year period.

Methods A retrospective cohort of 62 women who underwent planned OC between January 2013 and January 2026 was analysed. Age, indication, number of stimulation cycles, MII oocyte yield, and utilization status were recorded. Appropriate descriptive and inferential statistics were used, including comparison of pre- and post-COVID periods.

Results The cohort comprised 62 patients undergoing 70 stimulation cycles, predominantly for elective/social indications (85.5%), with oncofertility accounting for 14.5% of cases. The most common age group was 30-34 years (32.3%), with a mean yield of 6.2 ± 4.1 MII oocytes per patient. Oocyte yield declined significantly with age (Spearman ρ = -0.26, p = 0.041). The annual rate of patients undergoing OC increased approximately 4-fold in the post-COVID era (rate ratio 4.00, 95% CI 2.21-7.25, p<0.001). Only 9.68% of patients underwent repeated stimulation cycles, with the highest proportion of repeat cycles occurring in the 34-36-year age group. However, utilization of cryopreserved oocytes remained low (9.7%, 95% CI 3.6-19.9%).

Conclusions Our study highlights positive shifting trends even in a developing country like India, where oocyte cryopreservation is evolving as an accepted method for fertility preservation. Societal challenges, myths, and financial limitations underscore the low utilization rates, emphasizing the need for strengthened education and support to empower women in planning their reproductive journeys.