Age-related fertility decline and elective oocyte cryopreservation: Knowledge, attitudes and practices in a pilot study of general practitioners

Abstract

Background and objective Increasing numbers of women are experiencing age-related infertility. General practitioners (GPs) are ideally placed to provide initial age-related fertility counselling and fertility specialist referral. The aim of this pilot study was to document doctors’ knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to proactive fertility counselling, ovarian reserve testing and oocyte cryopreservation. Methods Seventy-two GPs and general practice registrars were recruited through social media and completed an online survey. Results Knowledge gaps were shown relating to age-related female fertility decline, ovarian reserve testing and elective oocyte cryopreservation. GPs were more likely to discuss reproductive planning with women aged 35–44 years, compared with younger women. The majority of participants agreed fertility counselling should be provided by GPs; however, barriers identified include limited time, knowledge and concern for causing patient distress. Discussion Providing GPs with fertility-focused education and resources may enable sensitive, accurate and timely counselling to improve reproductive outcomes.