To treat or not to treat: perceptions of the initial American Society for Reproductive Medicine COVID-19 recommendations among women’s health providers

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception of the initial ASRM COVID-19 recommendations for infertility treatment held by women’s health providers within varying subspecialties, as well as their attitudes toward pregnancy and fertility during this time. Methods: An electronic survey was sent to all women’s healthcare providers, including physicians, mid-level providers and nurses, in all subspecialties of obstetrics and gynaecology (Ob/Gyn) at a large tertiary care university-affiliated hospital. Results: Of the 278 eligible providers, the survey response rate was 45% (n = 127). Participants represented 8 Ob/Gyn subspecialties and all professional levels. Participants age 18–30 years were significantly more likely to feel that women should have access to infertility treatment despite the burden level of COVID-19 in respective community/states (p = 0.0058). Participants within the subspecialties of general Ob/Gyn, maternal foetal medicine and gynecologic oncology were significantly more likely to disagree that all women should refrain from planned conception during the COVID-19 pandemic, in comparison to those in urogynecology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility (p = 0.0003). Conclusions: Considering the immediate and unknown long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on fertility care delivery, a better understanding of perceptions regarding infertility management during this time is important. Our study shows overall support for the initial ASRM recommendations, representing a wide spectrum of women’s health providers.