WOMEN'S EXPERIENCES OF DECISION-MAKING ON EMBRYO CRYOPRESERVATION: A DESCRIPTIVE QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this research is to clarify the experiences of women in deciding on the Embryo Cryopreservation (EC) procedure and the meanings they attribute to their frozen embryos. Methods: In this study, descriptive phenomenological design and thematic analysis approach were adopted based on Husserl’s philosophical perspective. Random sampling technique and maximum diversity sampling methods were also used. Data was collected between April and October 2021 through semi-structured in-depth interviews. Results: Analysis of the interviews led to the emergence of five themes and 10 sub-themes. The theme were the following: ‘‘Decision-making pathways in embryo cryopreservation’’, ‘‘Motivators in the embryo cryopreservation process’’, ‘‘Reflections on embryo cryopreservation’’, ‘‘Conceptualization of the frozen embryo’’, and ‘‘Expectations from the healthcare system’’. Conclusion: In this study, it was found that women were uncomfortable with EC when the decision was made only by the doctor, who did not provide sufficient information about the EC process. It has been determined that women have a positive conceptualization of the embryos as the quality of frozen embryos increases.