Parenthood in Infertile Couples Attending Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) Centers: What Has Changed During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to impact the lifestyle of couples of reproductive age and, in particular, their desire for parenthood. The purpose of this study was to carry out an evaluation on the potential changes of desire for parenthood among infertile couples waiting for assisted reproduction during the pandemic.

Methods: In this multicenter cross-sectional study, the quality of sexual life in Italian infertile couples was assessed and their well-being was evaluated before the pandemic and during the quarantine. All couples were asked to fill out a questionnaire, in which their desire for parenthood, sexual life, and well-being were investigated.

Results: Out of 1650 cases, 300 patients were finally enrolled. COVID-19 negatively impacted the well-being of individuals, leading to significantly reduced scores of happiness, feeling energetic, and interest in life (p<0.05). Although most couples had prolonged infertility, a small number of cases (4.0%) achieved a spontaneous natural pregnancy during the lockdown, probably due to more intimacy and longer time spent together. However, major concerns about the consequential effects of the virus on pregnancy and the risk of contagion in the hospital led a small number of infertile couples (5.0%) to decide to postpone their parenting project.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic may have created a further negative impact on couples, reducing their desire for parenthood. This attitude could result in a decrease in births in the near future.