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

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. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00404-021-06379-y.