Attitudes to infertility work-up and treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic: survey of couples from Vietnam

Fertility and Sterility Dialog (2020) – 2020-07-01

Lan N Vuong, MD, PhD¹, Vu NA Ho², Toan D Pham², Tuan H Phung³, Vinh Q Dang², Tuong M Ho³

Published: 01 July 2020

Abstract

Objective:
This study evaluated the perspective of infertile couples on infertility treatment during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design:
Online survey using a 40-item questionnaire, which included questions about patient demographics and infertility treatments, knowledge about COVID-19, and the effects of the pandemic on infertility treatment plans.
Setting:
Two private IVF clinics in Vietnam
Patients:
1420 couples with a valid e-mail address who were scheduled to return for a check-up or treatment at either of the two infertility clinics in April 2020 were e-mailed a link to the questionnaire.
Main Outcome Measure(s):
Questionnaire responses.
Results:
Responses from 891 couples were included in the main analysis; 60% (n=532) were having infertility treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those continuing versus suspending infertility treatment were significantly more likely to rate infertility treatment as a current priority, significantly less likely to be practising social distancing, and did not have any concerns about the impact of COVID-19 on their pregnancy or newborn. However, two-thirds were concerned about being exposed to a COVID-19-positive individual. Factors significantly associated with continuation of infertility treatment during the pandemic on multivariable analysis included occupation, income, longer time spent trying to conceive, having more time to rest at home after treatment, and less waiting time at the hospital.
Conclusion(s):
These findings provide relevant insights for policy makers and IVF centres when developing, modifying and implementing infertility treatment strategies during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

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