The level of anxiety in infertile women whose ART cycles are postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak

Abstract

Aim: This study evaluated the level of fear and anxiety related to the COVID-19 outbreak, in infertile women whose ART cycles were delayed due to the pandemic. Materials and methods: An online survey was sent to women whose ART cycles were postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak between April and May 2020. The study population were 101 participants. The main outcome measure is to determine the levels of fear and anxiety in infertile women by using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T and STAI-S) and Fear of COVID-19 scale . The relationship of the COVID-19 outbreak with the willingness to go ahead with the desire for pregnancy was also assessed. Results: The state-anxiety levels were significantly higher in women above 35 years (45.0 ± 5.2 vs. 42.2 ± 4.5, p ¼ 0.006). Women with diminished ovarian reserve had a higher state-anxiety compared to other causes, but were not found to be significant (44.7 ± 5.2 vs. 42.5 ± 5.0, p ¼ 0.173). Women who thought that the possibility of not being able to get pregnant was more important than being infected with the COVID-19 had higher anxiety levels than women who thought just the opposite. The diminished ovarian reserve and high duration of infertility were found to be significantly associated with higher anxiety levels (OR ¼ 2.5, p < 0.05). The diminished ovarian reserve and previous ART failure significantly predicted the presence of clinical state-anxiety. Conclusion:The state-anxiety was found to be higher in women whose cycles were postponed due to the outbreak and the presence of diminished ovarian reserve also significantly affected anxiety levels. Further research is needed to assess whether COVID-19 will have any impact on ART treatments in the next few years.

Psychological effect of COVID-19 pandemic among women undergoing infertility care, a French cohort – PsyCovART Psychological effect of COVID-19: PsyCovART

“…Stress symptoms were also more frequent in patient above 35 years old. Same trend was found in infertile Turkish women ( 28 ). Advanced maternal age is known to have a significant impact on reproductive outcomes with the physiological decrease of ovarian reserve over time.…”

“…In Turocy et al, cancellation of fertility treatment upset infertile couples ( 25 ). Regarding the COVID-19 studies, in different countries, an increase of emotional distress and anxiety were found in infertile couple ( 26 , 27 ), especially in women ( 28 ).…”

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Lifestyles and Quality of Life of Women With Fertility Problems: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In another study conducted in 627 Italian infertile couples who were candidates for assisted reproduction treatments, confinement had produced a moderate/severe psychological impact, with these women reporting higher levels of anxiety and depression ( 33 ). Studies carried out during the pandemic on infertile women from other countries, such as the US ( 55 , 56 ), Turkey ( 57 ), the United Kingdom ( 58 ), or Canada ( 59 ) also showed results consistent with an increase in anxiety and depression. When the reproductive service was reopened, we observed a significant decrease in the overall HADS questionnaire score.…”

Anxiety Level During the Second Localized COVID-19 Pandemic Among Quarantined Infertile Women: A Cross-Sectional Survey in China

“…There is growing evidence that most infertile women postpone examination and treatment during the pandemic, which may have a negative impact on their lives ( 17 , 29 ). It has previously been reported that among infertile women whose ART cycle has been postponed due to the pandemic, women older than 35 years have higher levels of anxiety ( 30 ). Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, infertility is still among the top stressors, which can be comparable to the pressure caused by the epidemic itself ( 16 ).…”