Fertility Preservation and Infertility Treatment in Female Surgical Trainees in Alberta: A Survey of Trainee Knowledge, Attitudes, and Needs.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to describe fertility knowledge and views on family planning and fertility preservation/treatment among female surgical trainees in Alberta.

METHODS

A voluntary, anonymous online survey was sent to surgical program coordinators in Alberta to forward to their respective trainees. Participants included surgical trainees from cardiac surgery, general surgery, neurosurgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, urology, and vascular surgery. Questions assessed demographics, fertility knowledge, reproductive history, family planning views, and attitudes towards fertility preservation/treatment. The primary outcome were the needs of trainees regarding fertility preservation/treatment. Secondary outcomes included fertility knowledge, reproductive history, family planning views, and attitudes towards fertility preservation/treatment.

RESULTS

The survey had a 71.8% response rate, with 125 responses analyzed. The median score for fertility knowledge was 3 out of 6. Most trainees (84.8%) were childless, with 68.0% citing career impact as a significant factor in delaying child-bearing. Career aspirations, training duration, and long work hours were identified as top factors impacting family planning. Only 3.2% had undergone oocyte cryopreservation, while 48.0% had considered it. Awareness of oocyte cryopreservation options and insurance coverage was low. During their training, 57.6% of trainees had received no counselling about family planning.

CONCLUSIONS

Female surgical trainees in Alberta face significant fertility concerns, exacerbated by gaps in fertility knowledge and career demands delaying child-bearing. There is strong interest in fertility preservation, but barriers include lack of awareness, financial constraints, and inadequate counselling. Enhanced education, counselling, insurance coverage, and supportive policies are needed to support trainees' reproductive and career goals.