Abstract
Study question
This cross-sectional survey sought the views of women seeking fertility treatment on the impact of the COVID–19 pandemic on their fertility treatment and attitudes.
Summary answer
Most respondents worried the recommendations to postpone treatment would reduce their chances of pregnancy and were concerned about negative effects of SARS-Cov–2 infections on pregnancy.
What is known already
In spring 2020, the recommendations of ESHRE and German professional societies to postpone fertility treatments resulted in limited or closed services from mid-March to early May in many clinics. Previous studies reported that postponing fertility clinic appointments causes psychological distress, with most patients saying they would have preferred to continue treatment. While no similar studies are available from Germany, where COVID–19 incidence was relatively low, concerns of the patients about possible consequences of a treatment delay and a SARS-CoV–2 infection on fertility and pregnancy remain unknown.
Study design, size, duration
This cross-sectional, anonymous, online questionnaire was completed in June-December 2020 by 249 women attending fertility clinics across Germany. The women were recruited using leaflets, directly by study personnel either in person or by telephone, or via online support group forums for fertility patients.
Participants/materials, setting, methods
All women seeking treatment in fertility clinics were eligible to participate. The online survey covered questions about the patient’s quality of life, their opinions about the professional societies’ recommendations and their effects as well as any concerns about infection with SARS-CoV–2. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 27.
Main results and the role of chance
Three-quarters of participants disagreed with the pausing of fertility treatments. Women who participated from October-December 2020, when the incidence rate was high, were as likely to disagree as participants that participated from June-September 2020 (73% vs 79%, p = 0.3). Nearly all participants (95%) were concerned that treatment delays would reduce their chances of pregnancy. 72 participants (29%) had their appointments cancelled. Nearly all (97%) reported being upset by this, with 40 (56%) reporting that they were extremely or very disappointed about the cancellation. Women coming for follow-up appointments and women who had to wait 10 weeks or longer were more likely to be upset by the postponement or cancellation of their appointment (p = 0.016 and p = 0.012, respectively).
Nearly all (97%) of the participants were worried about possible negative effects a SARS-CoV–2 infection might have related to their fertility, pregnancy or unborn child. Sixty-one percent stated they were very or moderately concerned about the negative influence the infection might have on the womańs own health during pregnancy and 60% were very to moderately concerned about potential negative effects for the unborn child. However, only 26% reported they were very or moderately concerned about the potential negative effects of an infection on fertility.
Limitations, reasons for caution
The main limitations of this study are the possibility of selection bias as people with strong opinions are more likely to have participated and the lack of information on non-responders due to the study design. Also, the Covid–19 pandemic is evolving continuously meaning that participantś opinions may vary over time.
Wider implications of the findings: Postponement of treatments increased distress among patients and should be avoided when possible. If unavoidable, follow-up patients should be prioritised for treatment and the length of postponement should be minimised. Fertility clinics must provide information about the current state of knowledge of SARS-Cov–2 infections in pregnancies and options for immunization.
Trial registration number
Not applicable
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