Experiences of elective oocyte cryopreservation among unmarried women in Korea: a descriptive phenomenological study.

PURPOSE: The increasing prevalence of elective oocyte cryopreservation (EOC) for fertility preservation has generated growing interest worldwide. This study explores the experiences of unmarried women undergoing EOC. METHODS: This descriptive phenomenological study sought to investigate the meaning and structure of the EOC experience among healthy unmarried women. Five unmarried women who had undergone EOC participated in the study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and observations via an online platform. Interviews were conducted in a 1:2 format between participant and researcher, with each participant interviewed once or twice. The primary interview question was, "Please tell us about the circumstances under which you decided to undergo EOC." RESULTS: From 65 units of meaning, six themes and 19 subthemes emerged: an innovative tool that expands life choices; a process that requires readjusting life priorities; a conflict felt at the boundary between tradition and change; fierce information search and perseverance amidst the turmoil of body and mind; intertwined with possibilities, constraints, and expectations for the future; and feeling uncertain about freedom of choice and taking initiative for the future. CONCLUSION: Unmarried women have experienced various difficulties in the process of EOC depending on the situation related to the passage of time. They need to have accurate information to perform this, and there needs to be discussions on how to use or dispose of the oocytes when they are not in use. In addition, in order to solve the problem of low birth rates, there is a need to increase the cost support for EOC.