Life on pause: An analysis of UK fertility patients’ coping mechanisms after the cancellation of fertility treatment due to COVID-19

Tippett, Anna

doi:10.1177/1359105321999711

Cited by 18 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 58 publications

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“…There were also specific worries that time may be running out for those awaiting fertility treatment. While this only applied to a couple of the 12 women in the present study, a recent UK survey also identified that cancellation of fertility treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant psychological stress, feelings of isolation and weakened coping mechanisms in female fertility patients [45]. Some participants also mentioned that their healthcare professionals (e.g., primary care physicians) were an important source of support and that they were currently unable to easily contact them or have face-to-face appointments.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 74%

Uncertainty, Anxiety and Isolation: Experiencing the COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown as a Woman with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Atkinson

Kite

McGregor

et al. 2021

JPM

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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and the related lockdown measures presented a significant risk to physical and mental wellbeing in affected populations. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are predisposed to several cardio-metabolic risk factors which increase the susceptibility to severe COVID-19 and also exhibit increased likelihood of impaired mental health wellbeing. Therefore, these women who usually receive care from multiple primary and specialist healthcare services may be disproportionately impacted by this pandemic and the related restrictions. This study aimed to explore the lived experience of the first UK national lockdown as a woman with PCOS. Methods: As part of a larger cross-sectional study, 12 women with PCOS living in the UK during the first national COVID-19 lockdown were recruited to a qualitative study. Telephone interviews were conducted in June/July of 2020, and data collected were subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Five themes were identified. “My PCOS Journey” describes participants’ experiences of diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of their PCOS. “Living Through Lockdown” describes the overall experience and impact of the lockdown on all aspects of participants’ lives. “Self-care and Managing Symptoms” describe multiple challenges to living well with PCOS during the lockdown, including lack of access to supplies and services, and disruption to weight management. “Healthcare on Hold” describes the uncertainty and anxiety associated with delays in accessing specialised healthcare for a range of PCOS aspects, including fertility treatment. “Exacerbating Existing Issues” captures the worsening of pre-existing mental health issues, and an increase in health anxiety and feelings of isolation. Conclusion: For the women with PCOS in this study, the COVID-19 pandemic and the first national lockdown was mostly experienced as adding to the pre-existing challenges of living with their condition. The mental health impact experienced by the study participants was increased due to lack of access to their normal support strategies, limitations on healthcare services and uncertainty about their risk of COVID-19.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 74%

Uncertainty, Anxiety and Isolation: Experiencing the COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown as a Woman with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Atkinson

Kite

McGregor

et al. 2021

JPM

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“…While there have been studies concerning the emotional impact of the suspension of treatments [7][8][9][11][12][13], this is the first to have been conducted in Germany where, in 2020, incidence and case fatality rates were relatively low compared to many other European countries [14]. To our knowledge, it is the first study to assess the possible worries that fertility treatment patients might have concerning an infection with SARS-CoV-2.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 90%

“…Other studies in Israel [7], Italy [8], Northeast America and Canada [9,11] and UK [12,13] have also reported that the suspension of fertility treatment has caused substantial distress. Unexpectedly, no demographic factors such as age or education status were significantly associated with the level of distress felt.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women seeking fertility treatment: the patient’s perspective

Wedner-Ross

Schippert

Versen‐Höynck

2022

Arch Gynecol Obstet

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Purpose This study sought the views of women with impaired fertility on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their fertility treatment and psychological wellbeing. Methods A cross-sectional, anonymous, online questionnaire was completed in June–December 2020 by 249 women attending fertility clinics across Germany. 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. Results Three-quarters of participants disagreed with the pausing of fertility treatments. Women who participated from October to December 2020, when the incidence rate was high, were as likely to disagree as participants that participated from June to September 2020 (73% vs 79%, p = 0.3). Seventy-two 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 who had to wait 10 weeks or longer were more likely to be upset by the postponement or cancellation of their appointment than women who had to wait a shorter amount of time (p = 0.01). Many participants (41%) were worried about possible negative effects a SARS-CoV-2 infection might have related to their fertility, pregnancy or unborn child. Conclusion Postponement of treatments increased distress among patients and should be avoided when possible. Fertility clinics must provide information about the current state of knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 infections in pregnancies and options for immunization.

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“…The psychological burden on the patients has become a significant issue. One study conducted in England showed that the postponement of ART treatment adversely affected patients’ stress levels [ 3 ]. Enhancing communication between patients and staff had the opposite effect.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 infection control protocol and acceptance in an ART in vitro fertilization hospital

Horibe

Nakabayashi

Murata

et al. 2022

Middle East Fertil Soc J

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Purpose In Tokyo, where the highest coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection rates have been reported nationally, we introduced and performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing on the patients prior to them coming for oocyte retrieval (OR) or embryo transfer (ET) procedures. In addition, we recommended that patients self-inject ovarian stimulation drugs to reduce the number of hospital visits required. We aimed to assess the patient acceptance of these measures and the change of treatment number. Methods We conducted a retrospective study examining the patients coming for OR or ET, from the first time a state of emergency was declared in Japan, May 2020, until September 2021. Results A total of 79 out of 94 (94%) patients complied with the measures. This may reflect that PCR universal screening was accepted by most patients as necessary for reducing infection spread. In addition, the number of patients receiving OR and ET increased. The widespread adoption of work-from-home practices during the pandemic has made outpatient visits more acceptable to the general public. Conclusions Universal screening and self-injection are accepted and effective infection measures in patients presenting for OR and ET.

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Life on pause: An analysis of UK fertility patients’ coping mechanisms after the cancellation of fertility treatment due to COVID-19

Cited by 18 publications

References 58 publications

Uncertainty, Anxiety and Isolation: Experiencing the COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown as a Woman with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Uncertainty, Anxiety and Isolation: Experiencing the COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown as a Woman with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women seeking fertility treatment: the patient’s perspective

COVID-19 infection control protocol and acceptance in an ART in vitro fertilization hospital

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