Gamete preservation: knowledge, concerns and intentions of Israeli and Danish students regarding egg and sperm freezing

Abstract

Research questionWhat do Danish and Israeli students of both sexes know about age in relation to fertility and gamete preservation, and what are their concerns and intentions for the future in this regard? DesignA cross-sectional comparative study of male and female Danish and Israeli students was conducted between November 2018 and April 2019. A total of 1010 students, 508 from Denmark and 502 from Israel, completed questionnaires assessing knowledge, perceptions and intentions regarding gamete preservation. ResultsMore than 70% of both genders in Israel thought that women start experiencing fertility decline at age 35 and up. A total of 60% of Danish women and 51% of Danish men chose 29–34 as the time where fertility decline starts. Some 95% of Danish students chose 20–29 as the best age for egg freezing, while the corresponding number in Israel was 85%, regardless of gender. In total, 51% of Israeli women said they are extremely or very worried about future infertility, compared with 31% of Danish women, 26% of Israeli men and 12% of Danish men. Regarding preservation intentions, no gender differences were found. Some 3% of Israeli students said they would consider gamete preservation, as compared with 14% of Danish students. ConclusionsThese findings suggest a widespread worry among Danish and Israeli women about their future fertility. Danish students report more awareness of age-related fertility decline. Unique to this study is the inclusion of male students. The preliminary findings reveal that men are less worried about their reproductive future.