Emotional Impact of Delay in Fertility Treatment Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented public health emergency. When the pandemic started in our country fertility treatment was suspended for sometimes following national and international guidelines. This has led to delay in fertility treatment for some couples which was emotionally upsetting.

Methodology And Design: This study was done on the patients enrolled at our various fertility units across India. The survey questionnaire was sent to patients during the month of first May to June 15, 2020, when COVID-19 pandemic was active across the country, and fertility units were just resuming the services back. The questionnaire was distributed to 100 patients who were currently under treatment and their response was recorded. Ethical committee approval was not taken as surveys are exempted from IRB.

Results: This survey was undertaken to understand the emotional impact of delay/cancelation in the fertility treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey revealed that majority (95%) of couples felt cancelation of cycles as upsetting and 16% reporting it to be extremely upsetting. The impact was seen in the form of mood disturbances, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and depressive ideas. Almost half of the couples (49.4%) were desirous to start the fertility treatment immediately. Their knowledge regarding COVID-19 and pregnancy and future child was limited.

Conclusion: COVID-19 has had impact on every sphere of life. Delay in treatment and cancelation of cycles were emotionally upsetting to majority of couples and they were keen to restart the treatment sooner than later.