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Gordon R, Zelikoff JT. Fertility in indigenous communities: An environmental justice perspective. Explore (NY) 2024; 20:271-273. [PMID: 38171982 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Gordon
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, NY, NY, United States.
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Andre KE, Hood RB, Gaskins AJ, Kawwass JF, Almquist RG, Kramer MR, Hipp HS. Neighborhood deprivation and racial differences in in vitro fertilization outcomes. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:352.e1-352.e18. [PMID: 37939983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are significant racial disparities in in vitro fertilization outcomes, which are poorly explained by individual-level characteristics. Environmental factors such as neighborhood-level socioeconomic factors may contribute to these disparities. However, few studies have directly addressed this research question in a large, racially diverse cohort. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate whether neighborhood deprivation is associated with differences in in vitro fertilization outcomes. STUDY DESIGN Our retrospective cohort study included 1110 patients who underwent 2254 autologous in vitro fertilization cycles between 2014 and 2019 at an academic fertility center in the Southeastern United States. Neighborhood deprivation was estimated using the Neighborhood Deprivation Index, a composite variable measuring community levels of material capital based on poverty, occupation, housing, and education domains. Using multivariable log-binomial generalized estimating equations with cluster weighting, risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated for cycle cancellation, miscarriage (defined as spontaneous pregnancy loss before 20 weeks after a confirmed intrauterine gestation), and live birth according to patient Neighborhood Deprivation Index. RESULTS There were positive associations between increasing Neighborhood Deprivation Index (indicating worsening neighborhood deprivation) and body mass index, as well as increasing prevalence of tubal and uterine factor infertility diagnoses. The crude probability of live birth per cycle was lower among Black (24%) than among White patients (32%), and the crude probability of miscarriage per clinical pregnancy was higher among Black (22%) than among White patients (12%). After adjustment, the Neighborhood Deprivation Index was not significantly associated with risk of cycle cancellation or live birth. Results were consistent when analyses were stratified by race. CONCLUSION Our research demonstrates racial disparities between Black and White women in the incidence of miscarriage and live birth following in vitro fertilization. Although the level of neighborhood deprivation was closely related to race, it did not have strong associations with in vitro fertilization outcomes in our population as a whole or within strata of race.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri E Andre
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Robert B Hood
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Audrey J Gaskins
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jennifer F Kawwass
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - R Garland Almquist
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Michael R Kramer
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Heather S Hipp
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
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Tarrash M, Kuyoro O, Goldman RH, Mullin C. Characteristics of patients seeking fertility care in a low-income setting. JBRA Assist Reprod 2024; 28:59-65. [PMID: 38289200 PMCID: PMC10936911 DOI: 10.5935/1518-0557.20230073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients face challenges accessing fertility treatment due to barriers such as financial burdens, delayed referral to Reproductive Endocrinologists (REI), low medical literacy, language barriers and numerous other health disparities. Medicaid in New York offers coverage for office visits, blood tests, hysterosalpingograms (HSGs), and pelvic ultrasounds for infertility. The aim of this study is to delineate the characteristics of this underserved population and determine their ability to complete the initial fertility workup. METHODS This was a retrospective study of all patients seeking fertility care at a single resident/fellow REI clinic in New York from September 2020 - January 2022. RESULTS During the study period, 87 patients (avg age = 35.2y) sought care at the resident/fellow clinic over 126 appointments. The majority of patients had Medicaid insurance and most primary languages spoken included English (70.1%), Spanish (21.8%), and Bengali (3.4%). Documented Race was comprised of mostly Other (46%), African American (21.8%), Asian (17.2%), and White (11.5%). The majority of patients completed a lab workup (70-80%). Fewer patients underwent a scheduled HSG (59.8%) and patients' partners completed a semen analysis (SA) (27.6%). Overall, there was a significant difference in the ability to complete the initial infertility workup (lab tests vs. HSG vs. SA) across all groups regardless of age, insurance type, primary language spoken, race and ethnicity (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Completing the fertility workup, particularly the male partner workup and imaging studies, can present challenges for underserved patients with infertility. Understanding which patient characteristics and societal factors restrict access to fertility care requires further investigation to improve access to fertility care in underserved communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Tarrash
- Northwell Health Fertility, North Shore University Hospital/Donald
and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Olutunmike Kuyoro
- Northwell Health Fertility, North Shore University Hospital/Donald
and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Randi H. Goldman
- Northwell Health Fertility, North Shore University Hospital/Donald
and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Christine Mullin
- Northwell Health Fertility, North Shore University Hospital/Donald
and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY, USA
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Lass A, Lass G. Inequalities in assisted reproduction technology utilisation between the G20 countries. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:1374-1379. [PMID: 34915790 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2021.2017025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Large global inequalities in assisted reproduction technology (ART) utilisation have existed ever since the introduction of ART. The reasons for these inequalities are multifactorial and include national wealth and affordability, pronatalist policies, regulatory differences in provision, and sociocultural components such as racial, gender and educational inequalities. Examining ART utilisation across the largest world economies (G20 countries) in 2016 (the most recent year with publically available data) reveals significant inequality, which is highly correlated to gross domestic product per capita, a measure of national wealth, and to provision of government funding and/or insurance coverage for in vitro fertilisation and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. A strong negative correlation with the Gender Inequality Index is also noted. The gap in ART utilisation rate will only begin to close once the majority of nations introduce more affordable ART treatment, instigate pronatalist policies, and implement changes in education, attitudes and behaviours to minimise racial and gender inequalities; however, achieving all of these changes may be a very difficult target to attain for many poorer economies, regardless of their size.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Geffen Lass
- Department of Women and Children's Health, King's College London, London, UK
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Portugal A, Kosturakis AK, Onyewuenyi TL, Rivera-Cruz G, Jimenez PT. Breaking Down Barriers: Advancing Toward Health Equity in Fertility Care for Black and Hispanic Patients. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2023; 50:735-746. [PMID: 37914491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Infertility can affect all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Barriers to quality fertility care include access, financial limitations, education, and social stigmas. Although racial disparities in outcomes of assisted reproductive technology can be largely attributed to the influences of systemic racism (not race), we can make changes to improve equity of care. We propose strategies in the areas of advocacy, clinical setting, community, and outcomes to address the racial disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Portugal
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, University of California San Francisco, 490 Illinois Street, 10th Floor, Box 0132, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Washington University, 4444 Forest Park Avenue, Ste. 3100, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Alyssa K Kosturakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356460, Seattle, WA 98195-6460, USA
| | - Ticara L Onyewuenyi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, 3600 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611, USA
| | - Greysha Rivera-Cruz
- Herbert Wertheim College Medicine, Florida International University, 3251 North State Road 7 Suite 200, Margate, FL 33063, USA
| | - Patricia T Jimenez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Washington University, 4444 Forest Park Avenue, Ste. 3100, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA.
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Beroukhim G, Seifer DB. Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Access to and Outcomes of Infertility Treatment and Assisted Reproductive Technology in the United States. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2023; 52:659-675. [PMID: 37865480 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Infertility disproportionately affects the minority, non-White populace, with Black women having twofold higher odds than White women. Despite higher infertility rates, minority racial and ethnic groups access and utilize fertility care less frequently. Even once care is accessed, racial and ethnic disparities exist in infertility treatment and ART outcomes. Preliminary studies indicate that Asian and American Indian women have lower intrauterine insemination pregnancy rates. Many robust studies indicate significant racial and ethnic disparities in rates of clinical pregnancy, live birth, pregnancy loss, and obstetrical complications following in vitro fertilization, with lower favorable outcomes in Black, Asian, and Hispanic women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Beroukhim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - David B Seifer
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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Messaoud KB, Guibert J, Bouyer J, de La Rochebrochard E. Strong social disparities in access to IVF/ICSI despite free cost of treatment: a French population-based nationwide cohort study. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:621. [PMID: 37993813 PMCID: PMC10664362 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02784-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Access to IVF/ICSI is facilitated when the financial barrier is removed. In a national context where in vitro fertilisation (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm Injection (ICSI) treatment is cost-free, how many women do not access IVF/ICSI and what are the factors associated with non-access? METHODS Using French national health insurance databases, the cohort included 20,240 women aged 18-43 years living in France who underwent unsuccessful treatment (no pregnancy) with clomiphene citrate (CC) and/or gonadotropins with treatment started between January and August 2016. The outcome measure was non-access to IVF/ICSI during the 24-month following start of infertility care. Factors associated with non-access to IVF/ICSI were explored using mixed effects logistic regression. RESULTS In the cohort, 65.4% of women did not access IVF/ICSI. In multivariable analysis, non-access to IVF/ICSI was higher in younger women (18-25 years: (OR 2.17, 95% CI: 1.85-2.54) and in older women (40-43 years: (OR=3.60, 95% CI: 3.25-3.98)). Non-access was higher among women below the poverty line (OR=3.76, 95% CI: 3.34-4.23) and showed a significant upward trend with increasing deprivation of place of residence. Distance to the nearest fertility centre was not significantly associated with non-access to IVF/ICSI. CONCLUSIONS In a national context of cost-free ART treatment, a large proportion of women did not access treatment, with a strong social gradient that raises important issues. We need to understand the underlying social mechanisms to develop an efficient and equitable health policy regarding infertility care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaoula Ben Messaoud
- Institut National d'Etudes Démographiques (Ined), UR14 - Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Unit, 93300, Aubervilliers, France.
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, 94807, Villejuif, France.
| | - Juliette Guibert
- Centre Médico-Chirurgical de La Baie de Morlaix, Rond-Point de La Vierge Noire, 29600, Morlaix, France
| | - Jean Bouyer
- Institut National d'Etudes Démographiques (Ined), UR14 - Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Unit, 93300, Aubervilliers, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, 94807, Villejuif, France
| | - Elise de La Rochebrochard
- Institut National d'Etudes Démographiques (Ined), UR14 - Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Unit, 93300, Aubervilliers, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, 94807, Villejuif, France
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Tewari S, Coyne KD, Weinerman RS, Findley J, Kim ST, Flyckt RLR. Racial disparities in telehealth use during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:880-889. [PMID: 37244379 PMCID: PMC10210818 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.05.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on initial infertility consultations. DESIGN Retrospective cohort. SETTING Fertility practice in an academic medical center. PATIENTS Patients presenting for initial infertility consultation between January 2019 and June 2021 were randomly selected for prepandemic (n = 500) and pandemic (n = 500) cohorts. EXPOSURE Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was a change in the proportion of African American patients using telehealth after pandemic onset compared with all other patients. Secondary outcomes included presentation to an appointment vs. no-show or cancellation. Exploratory outcomes included appointment length and in vitro fertilization initiation. RESULTS The prepandemic cohort vs. the pandemic cohort had fewer patients with commercial insurance (64.4% vs. 72.80%) and more African American patients (33.0% vs. 27.0%), although the racial makeup did not differ significantly between the two cohorts. Rates of missed appointments did not differ between the cohorts, but the prepandemic cohort vs. the pandemic cohort was more likely to no-show (49.4% vs. 27.8%) and less likely to cancel (50.6% vs. 72.2%). African American patients, compared with all other patients, during the pandemic were less likely to use telehealth (57.0% vs. 66.8%). African American patients, compared with all other patients, were less likely to have commercial insurance (prepandemic: 41.2% vs. 75.8%; pandemic: 57.0% vs. 78.6%), present to their scheduled appointment (prepandemic: 52.7% vs. 73.7%; pandemic: 48.1% vs. 74.8%), and cancel vs. no-show (prepandemic: 30.8% vs. 68.2%, pandemic: 64.3% vs. 78.3%). On multivariable analysis, African American patients were less likely (odds ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.28-0.50) and telehealth users were more likely (odds ratio 1.54, 95% confidence interval 1.04-2.27) to present to their appointments vs. no-show or cancel when controlling for insurance type and timing relative to the onset of the pandemic. CONCLUSION Telehealth implementation during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic decreased the overall no-show rate, but this shift did not apply to African American patients. This analysis highlights disparities in insurance coverage, telehealth utilization, and presentation for an initial consultation in the African American population during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surabhi Tewari
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Kathryn D Coyne
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Rachel S Weinerman
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Joseph Findley
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Sung Tae Kim
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Rebecca L R Flyckt
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio.
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Lazzari E, Tierney K. Parental sociodemographics of medically assisted reproduction births in the United States: a dyadic population-level study. F S Rep 2023; 4:292-299. [PMID: 37692190 PMCID: PMC7615071 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2023.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To study how men's and couples' sociodemographic characteristics predict the probability of having a birth conceived using medically assisted reproduction (MAR) in the United States. Design Population-based study. Setting Not applicable. Patients Men and women in the National Vital Statistics Birth certificate data from 2009 to 2019. Intervention None. Main Outcome Measures Proportion of MAR births out of total births by parental sociodemographic categories and probability of having a MAR birth. Results Between 2009 and 2019, the overall prevalence of MAR births among men was 1.81%. Fathers of children conceived using MAR tended to be older, higher educated, and white compared with fathers of naturally conceived children. During the period of 2009-2019, these sociodemographic profiles remained largely unchanged. Controlling for maternal age and birth order only partially reduced disparities by education and race. In 2019, highly educated fathers were 2.04 percentage points (95% confidence interval, 1.97-2.12) more likely to have a MAR-conceived birth than fathers with a low educational level, and black fathers were associated with a reduction in the probability of having an MAR-conceived child by - 1.07 percentage points (95% confidence interval, -1.11 to -1.04) compared with white fathers. The dyadic analysis using parents' education and race interactions revealed that partnering with someone of a higher educational level increases the likelihood of having a MAR birth, beyond what would be observed by considering only individual-level characteristics. Conclusions To comprehend the environment in which MAR-conceived children are born and raised, performing dyadic analyses that examine the characteristics of both partners is essential. The findings underscore the enduring presence of substantial social disparities in MAR use in the United States, with MAR-conceived children raised in environments of relative advantage, which may impact their future health and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Lazzari
- Department of Demography, University of Vienna (Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital (IIASA, OeAW, University of Vienna)), Vienna, Austria
| | - Katherine Tierney
- Department of Sociology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan
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Harper T, Kuohung W, Sayres L, Willis MD, Wise LA. Optimizing preconception care and interventions for improved population health. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:438-448. [PMID: 36516911 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There is growing literature indicating that optimal preconception health is associated with improved reproductive, perinatal, and pediatric outcomes. Given that preconception care is recommended for all individuals planning a pregnancy, medical providers and public health practitioners have a unique opportunity to optimize care and improve health outcomes for reproductive-aged individuals. Knowledge of the determinants of preconception health is important for all types of health professionals, including policy makers. Although some evidence-based recommendations have already been implemented, additional research is needed to identify factors associated with favorable health outcomes and to ensure that effective interventions are made in a timely fashion. Given the largely clinical readership of this journal, this piece is primarily focused on clinical care. However, we acknowledge that optimizing preconception health for the entire population at risk of pregnancy requires broadening our strategies to include population-health interventions that consider the larger social systems, structures, and policies that shape individual health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Harper
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.
| | - Wendy Kuohung
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lauren Sayres
- Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Mary D Willis
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Ma Y, Bai F, Gao L, Fan Y. The distribution and accessibility of assisted reproductive technology clinics in mainland China from 2006 to 2018: a population-based retrospective study. HUM FERTIL 2023; 26:573-581. [PMID: 34412563 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2021.1969043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is a global health problem that carries a high social and economic burden. Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has been developed in mainland China for over 30 years. We aimed to evaluate the accessibility and equity of distribution of ART facilities in mainland China from 2006 to 2018 and quantify the population with reduced geographic access to ART services. A retrospective study was conducted to describe the trend and analyse the equity of distribution of ART clinics in 2006, 2012, and 2018. The accessibility of ART clinics in mainland China increased significantly in the 12 years to 2018 (p ˂ 0.05). Eastern China had the most extensive coverage, followed by the central region, while the western region had the least coverage (p ˂ 0.05). The Gini coefficient for the distribution of ART clinics in 2018 was 0.213, indicating that the equity of distribution of ART clinics was relatively balanced over the country. However, at the end of 2018, there were still 354.9 million people (25.4% of the population) living in 148 cities without access to any ART clinics, which has spurred more targeted policies and cost-effective measures to improve the accessibility and availability of ART services in such areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ma
- Department of ART Management, National Centre for Women's and Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Fu Bai
- Department of ART Management, National Centre for Women's and Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Lina Gao
- Department of ART Management, National Centre for Women's and Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Yanjun Fan
- Department of ART Management, National Centre for Women's and Children's Health, Beijing, China
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12
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Lersten I, Fought A, Yannetsos C, Sheeder J, Roeca C. Patient perspectives of telehealth for fertility care: a national survey. J Assist Reprod Genet 2023:10.1007/s10815-023-02811-1. [PMID: 37115334 PMCID: PMC10141898 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-023-02811-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate patient satisfaction using telehealth for fertility care. METHODS Cross-sectional survey using the validated telehealth usability questionnaire (TUQ) distributed nationally via fertility advocacy groups of fertility patients aged ≥ 18 years with self-reported use of telehealth for care. Patient satisfaction of telehealth for fertility care as determined by the TUQ questionnaire. The survey also included questions about telehealth related to usefulness, ease of use, effectiveness, reliability, and the option for patients to add open-ended comments related to their experiences using telehealth for fertility care. RESULTS A total of 81 fertility patients completed the survey. Patients reported high rates of satisfaction (81.4%) with telehealth in areas of usefulness, ease of use, effectiveness, reliability, and satisfaction. However, many patients (60.5%) expressed a preference for in-person visits for their initial visit while the acceptability of telehealth increased for follow-up visits. Negative themes from respondent comments address that telehealth visits felt more impersonal and rushed. CONCLUSION Fertility patients reported high satisfaction using telehealth for care. Patients still preferred in-person visits for initial consultations. For follow-up visits, most respondents favored telehealth or had no preference. Incorporation of telehealth in fertility practices should continue though it may be helpful for patients to be given options for visit types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivy Lersten
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12631 East 17th Avenue, Mail Stop B-198, 4th Floor, Aurora, CO, USA.
- , Shady Grove Fertility, 8200 E Belleview Ave Suite 615-E, Greenwood Village, CO, USA.
| | - Angela Fought
- Center for Innovative Design and Analysis, University of Colorado School of Public Health, 13001 East 17th Place, 4th Floor West, Mail Stop B119, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Christina Yannetsos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12401 East 17th Avenue, 7th Floor, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jeanelle Sheeder
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12631 East 17th Avenue, Mail Stop B-198, 4th Floor, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Cassandra Roeca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12631 East 17th Avenue, Mail Stop B-198, 4th Floor, Aurora, CO, USA
- , Shady Grove Fertility, 8200 E Belleview Ave Suite 615-E, Greenwood Village, CO, USA
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13
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Huddleston A, Ray K, Bacani R, Staggs J, Anderson RM, Vassar M. Inequities in Medically Assisted Reproduction: a Scoping Review. Reprod Sci 2023:10.1007/s43032-023-01236-6. [PMID: 37099229 PMCID: PMC10132432 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01236-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
Infertility has a high prevalence in the USA and health inequities play a large role in access to medically assisted reproduction (MAR). The aim of this study was to identify gaps in research pertaining to inequities in MAR and propose suggestions for future research directions. Searches were performed using MEDLINE and Ovid Embase. Articles that reported on MAR inequities, published between 2016 and 2021 in the USA, and written in English were included. The inequities investigated were adapted from the NIH-designated health disparities populations. Each article's inequity findings were extracted and reported, along with frequencies of inequities. Our sample included 66 studies. The majority of the studies investigated MAR outcomes by race/ethnicity and found that historically marginalized populations had poorer outcomes. LGBTQ + populations were less likely to use MAR or seek infertility care. Most studies found positive correlations with MAR use with income and education. The least commonly studied inequities in our sample were sex and/or gender and rural/under-resourced populations; findings showed that men and people from rural/under-resourced populations were less likely to access MAR. Studies that examined occupational status had varying findings. We suggest that future research be targeted toward: (1) standardizing and diversifying race/ethnicity reporting regarding MAR, (2) the use of community-based participatory research to increase data for LGBTQ + patients, and (3) increasing access to infertility care for men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbi Huddleston
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, 1111 W 17Th St, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA.
| | - Kaylin Ray
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, 1111 W 17Th St, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA
| | - Rigel Bacani
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, 1111 W 17Th St, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA
| | - Jordan Staggs
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, 1111 W 17Th St, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA
| | - Reece M Anderson
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, 1111 W 17Th St, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA
| | - Matt Vassar
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, 1111 W 17Th St, Tulsa, OK, 74107, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
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14
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Wang A, Anderson-Bialis J, Morris JR, Corley J, Anderson-Bialis D, Citro L, Seegulam ME, Fujimoto V. Racial and ethnic differences in self-reported satisfaction with fertility clinics and doctors. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2023; 308:239-253. [PMID: 37072582 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-023-07043-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate if differences in self-reported satisfaction with fertility clinics and doctors differ by race/ethnicity. STUDY DESIGN We used cross-sectional survey data from FertilityIQ online questionnaires completed by patients receiving US. fertility care from July 2015 to December 2020. Univariate and multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to assess association of race/ethnicity on patient-reported clinic and physician satisfaction. RESULTS Our total sample size included 21,472 unique survey responses (15,986 Caucasian, 1856 Black, 1780 LatinX, 771 East Asian, 619 South Asian, 273 Middle Eastern, 187 Native American self-reported). When adjusting for potential confounders (demographic and patient satisfaction), we found that Black patients rated their doctors more highly (odds ratio (OR) 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-1.62 p = 0.022 logistic and Coefficient 0.082, 95% CI 0.013-0.15 p = 0.02 linear), while other ethnic groups did not show significant differences compared to Caucasian patients. East Asians had borderline lower satisfaction with clinic satisfaction in logistic regression (OR 0.74 95% CI 0.55-1.00 p = 0.05), while significant differences were not found for other ethnic groups for clinic satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS In summary, some but not all minority groups differed in their self-reported perception of satisfaction with fertility clinic and doctors compared to Caucasian patients. Cultural differences towards surveys may contribute to some of these findings, and satisfaction by racial/ethnic group may also be modified by results of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ange Wang
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, 499 Illinois Street, 6th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| | | | - Jerrine R Morris
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, 499 Illinois Street, 6th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Jamie Corley
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, 499 Illinois Street, 6th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | | | | | | | - Victor Fujimoto
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of California, 499 Illinois Street, 6th Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
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15
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Guzzo KB, Hayford SR. Evolving Fertility Goals and Behaviors in Current U.S. Childbearing Cohorts. POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 2023; 49:7-42. [PMID: 37398558 PMCID: PMC10312362 DOI: 10.1111/padr.12535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
In the post-Recession era, U.S. fertility rates have continued to fall. It is unclear if these declines are driven by shifts in fertility goals or growing difficulty in achieving goals. In this paper, we construct synthetic cohorts of men and women to examine both cross-cohort and within-cohort changes in fertility goals using multiple cycles of the National Survey of Family Growth. Although more recent cohorts exhibit lower achieved fertility at younger ages than earlier cohorts at the same age, intended parity remains around two children, and intentions to remain childless rarely exceed 15%. There is weak evidence of a growing fertility gap in the early 30s, suggesting more recent cohorts will need considerable childbearing in the 30s and early 40s to 'catch up' to earlier goals, yet low-parity women in their early 40s are decreasingly likely to have unfulfilled fertility desires or intentions to have children. Low-parity men in their early 40s, though, are increasingly likely to intend children. Declines in U.S. fertility thus seem to be largely driven not by changes in early-life fertility goals so much as either a decreasing likelihood of achieving earlier goals or, perhaps, shifts in the preferred timing of fertility that depress period measures.
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16
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Lee JC, DeSantis CE, Yartel AK, Kissin DM, Kawwass JF. Association of state insurance coverage mandates with assisted reproductive technology care discontinuation. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2023; 228:315.e1-315.e14. [PMID: 36368429 PMCID: PMC11000072 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.10.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Insurance coverage for fertility services may reduce the financial burden of high-cost fertility care such as assisted reproductive technology and improve its utilization. Patients who exit care after failing to reach their reproductive goals report higher rates of mental health problems and a lower sense of well-being. It is important to understand the relationship between state-mandated insurance coverage for fertility services and assisted reproductive technology care discontinuation. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess whether state-mandated insurance coverage for fertility services is associated with lower rates of care discontinuation after an initial assisted reproductive technology cycle that did not result in a live birth. STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective, population-based cohort study using data from United States fertility clinics reporting to the National Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance System during 2016 and 2018. Patients who began their first autologous assisted reproductive technology cycle during 2016 and 2017 and did not have a live birth were included. We describe the rate of assisted reproductive technology care discontinuation (no additional cycle within 12 months of the previous cycle's date of failure). Multivariable analyses were conducted to evaluate factors independently associated with care discontinuation, including the scope of fertility services included in state coverage mandate at assisted reproductive technology cycle initiation that were as follows: comprehensive (≥3 assisted reproductive technology cycles), limited (1, 2, or an unspecified number of assisted reproductive technology cycles), mandate not including assisted reproductive technology, and no mandate. RESULTS Among 91,324 patients who underwent their first autologous assisted reproductive technology cycle that did not result in live birth, 24,072 (26.4%) discontinued care. Compared with patients who lived in states with mandates for comprehensive assisted reproductive technology coverage, those in states with mandates for fertility services coverage that did not include assisted reproductive technology or states with no mandate were 46% (adjusted relative risk, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-1.63) and 26% (adjusted relative risk, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-1.39) more likely to discontinue care, respectively, after controlling for patient and cycle characteristics. Increasing patient age, distance from clinic ≥50 miles, previous live birth, fewer oocytes retrieved, and not having embryos cryopreserved were also associated with higher rates of discontinuation. Non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic Asian, and Hispanic patients had higher rates of care discontinuation than non-Hispanic White patients regardless of the existence or scope of state-mandated assisted reproductive technology coverage. CONCLUSION Comprehensive state-mandated insurance coverage for assisted reproductive technology is associated with lower rates of assisted reproductive technology care discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline C Lee
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Carol E DeSantis
- CDC Foundation, Atlanta, GA; Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Anthony K Yartel
- CDC Foundation, Atlanta, GA; Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
| | - Dmitry M Kissin
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Jennifer F Kawwass
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA; Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
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17
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A Narrative Review Discussing the Efficiency of Personalized Dosing Algorithm of Follitropin Delta for Ovarian Stimulation and the Reproductive and Clinical Outcomes. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13020177. [PMID: 36672987 PMCID: PMC9858569 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13020177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Follitropin delta is the third recombinant human follicle-stimulating hormone (r-hFSH) expressed in a host cell line of human fetal retinal origin that currently emphasizes that the actual tendency of administration is a personalized dosing algorithm based on the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and body mass index (BMI) for ovarian stimulation. Methods: In this context, we aimed, in the present manuscript, to gather all available data published between 2018-2022 regarding the co-administration and administration of follitropin delta and the clinical outcomes reported following an in vitro fertilization (IVF). Results: Follitropin delta is non-inferior in contrast to its previously launched agents for ovarian stimulation, enhancing a similar-to-superior response reflected by both the reproductive and pregnancy outcomes in parallel with a low risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), being well tolerated. The body weight and AMH level are factors that may influence the outcome in a patient. Despite controversy and results that refute these arguments on several occasions, follitropin delta exceeds the benefits of conventional dosing with either follitropin alfa or follitropin beta. Thus, all post hoc, derived analyses and subsets of patients that participated in subsequent studies support this statement. Conclusions: Despite the relatively limited spectrum of data in the current literature, most authors brought potent proof, supporting the subsequent use of this drug depending on the patient's profile and overcoming ethnic-related limitations. Although others contradict these observations, this topic and drug possess substantial potential, which is why additional studies are mandatory to fill the existing gaps in our knowledge and expand these experiences at a larger scale supported by the obtained reproductive and clinical outcomes that clearly indicate an overcoming of all limitations.
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18
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Tierney KI. Geographic distribution of assisted reproductive technology clinics in the USA: a multilevel sociodemographic analysis. J Assist Reprod Genet 2022; 39:2505-2519. [PMID: 36103005 PMCID: PMC9723016 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-022-02607-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether sociodemographic characteristics of US Census tracts and counties and state-level infertility insurance policy are associated with the presence of assisted reproductive technology (ART) clinics. METHODS Multilevel logistic regression analyses using publicly available reports of ART clinic locations (2014-2018) matched with sociodemographic data from the US Census Bureau and state infertility insurance policy information. RESULTS At the tract-level, multivariate multilevel logistic regression found significant associations with the likelihood of an ART clinic in a tract and the size of the tract population (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.063, SE = 0.018, p < .001), the tract median household income (aOR = 0.990, SE = 0.002, p < 0.001), and the percentages of the population who were Hispanic (aOR = 0.975, SE = 0.007, p < 0.001), women over 25 with a bachelor's degree or higher (aOR: 1.052, SE = 0.004, p < 0.001), and foreign-born (aOR: 1.037, SE = 0.009, p < .001). At the county-level, significant associations were found with the county median household income (aOR: 1.016, SE = 0.006, p < .01) and the percentage of the population that identified as Black (aOR = 1.013, SE = 0.006, p < .05) and Hispanic (aOR = 1.028, SE = 0.009, p < .05). Multivariate models showed no associations between tract clinic counts and state infertility policy. CONCLUSION There is mixed evidence that clinic concentration is associated with expected sociodemographics. In particular, physical proximity may not principally drive racial disparities in ART access. Furthermore, insurance mandates are not associated with the presence of an ART clinics in a tract, suggesting alternative policy levers may be needed to address differential access and utilization of ART services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine I Tierney
- Department of Sociology, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008-5257, USA.
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19
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Identifying Mental Health Issues Associated With Infertility. J Nurse Pract 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2022.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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20
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Harville EW. Invited Commentary: Vaccines and Fertility-Why Worry? Am J Epidemiol 2022; 192:154-157. [PMID: 35968679 PMCID: PMC9384762 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwac147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In a recent issue of the Journal, Wesselink et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2022;191(8):1383-1395) presented findings that indicate that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine does not cause any reduction in fertility in either men or women, while COVID-19 infection may reduce fertility temporarily among men. These are reassuring findings for those seeking pregnancy, as well as for clinicians and the public. There was no scientific reason to be concerned about effects of the COVID-19 vaccine on fertility, so some of the psychological, ethical, and historical reasons for concern are discussed. These include perceptions of risk around "unnatural," unusual, or dreaded outcomes; vaccine resistance as part of a social and political identity; and the tendency for moral panics to occur around women's reproductive capacity. On this and other topics, there is a broad need for reproductive health to be better incorporated into clinical trials, and for fertility research to advance in measurement and include a more diverse and global population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily W Harville
- Correspondence Address: 1440 Canal St. Ste. 2001, #8318, New Orleans, LA 70125
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21
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Peipert BJ, Montoya MN, Bedrick BS, Seifer DB, Jain T. Impact of in vitro fertilization state mandates for third party insurance coverage in the United States: a review and critical assessment. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2022; 20:111. [PMID: 35927756 PMCID: PMC9351254 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-00984-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The American Society for Reproductive Medicine estimates that fewer than a quarter of infertile couples have sufficient access to infertility care. Insurers in the United States (US) have long considered infertility to be a socially constructed condition, and thus in-vitro fertilization (IVF) an elective intervention. As a result, IVF is cost prohibitive for many patients in the US. State infertility insurance mandates are a crucial mechanism for expanding access to fertility care in the US in the absence of federal legislation. The first state insurance mandate for third party coverage of infertility services was passed by West Virginia in 1977, and Maryland passed the country's first IVF mandate in 1985. To date, twenty states have passed legislation requiring insurers to cover or offer coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Ten states currently have "comprehensive" IVF mandates, meaning they require third party coverage for IVF with minimal restrictions to patient eligibility, exemptions, and lifetime limits. Several studies analyzing the impact of infertility and IVF mandates have been published in the past 20 years. In this review, we characterize and contextualize the existing evidence of the impact of state insurance mandates on access to infertility treatment, IVF practice patterns, and reproductive outcomes. Furthermore, we summarize the arguments in favor of insurance coverage for infertility care and assess the limitations of state insurance mandates as a strategy for increasing access to infertility treatment. State mandates play a key role in the promotion of evidence-based practices and represent an essential and impactful strategy for the advancement of gender equality and reproductive rights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Peipert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University Hospital, 2301 Erwin Rd, 27705, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Melissa N Montoya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University Hospital, 2301 Erwin Rd, 27705, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Bronwyn S Bedrick
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David B Seifer
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Tarun Jain
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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22
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Racial disparities in access to reproductive health and fertility care in the United States. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol 2022; 34:138-146. [PMID: 35645012 DOI: 10.1097/gco.0000000000000780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To examine the status of racial and ethnic inequalities in fertility care in the United States (U.S.) at inception of 2022. This review highlights addressable underpinnings for the prevalent differentials in access to and utilization of infertility treatments and underscores gaps in preventive care as key contributors to racial and ethnic disparities in risk burden for subfertility and infertility. RECENT FINDINGS Significant gaps in access to and utilization of fertility care are consistently reported among racial and ethnic minorities, particularly Black and Hispanic women. Access to and utilization of contraceptives, human papilloma virus vaccination rates, preexposure prophylaxis use, and differentials in treatment of common gynecologic disorders are relevant to the prevalent racial and ethnic disparities in reproductive health. The spectrum of differential in reproductive wellness and the magnitude of reproductive health burden afflicting racial minorities in the U.S. raise concerns regarding systemic and structural racism as plausible contributors to the prevalent state of affairs. SUMMARY Despite efforts to reform unequal reproductive health practices and policies, racial and ethnic disparities in fertility care are pervasive and persistent. In addition to measures aimed at reducing barriers to care, societal efforts must prioritize health disparity research to systematically examine underpinnings, and addressing structural racism and interpersonal biases, to correct the prevalent racial inequities and mitigate disparities.
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23
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Rasouli MA, Sagun BK, Verma K, Duke CM. Black infertility and social media engagement: a mixed methodology analysis. F S Rep 2022; 3:55-61. [PMID: 35937449 PMCID: PMC9349246 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To study social media engagement on Black infertility to better understand why there is lower utilization of in vitro fertilization by Black women despite higher infertility rates. Design The online analytics module BuzzSumo was used to quantify total engagements with the search term “Black infertility” across the commonly used social media platforms. The 10 article links with the highest engagement were selected from periods in 2020 and 2021. Sources cited in each article were reviewed to identify those that had citations of scientific peer-reviewed journals or national medical organizations. The contents of each article were reviewed for accuracy by comparing the article information against available scientific research and consensus data. Patient(s) Not applicable. Intervention(s) Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure(s) Not applicable. Result(s) After applying the exclusion criteria, nine article links remained in each date range. The highest engagement with the term “Black infertility” was found on Facebook for both 2020 and 2021. Ten percent of content regarding Black infertility in 2020 compared with 50% of content regarding Black infertility in 2021 referenced original studies in peer-reviewed journals. Links with greater social engagement were more likely to have academic sources in 2021 than in 2020 (odds ratio, 1.30). The highest user engagement was found for articles discussing the emotional toll of Black infertility. Conclusion(s) Social media users encounter misleading or inaccurate information regarding Black fertility at similar rates to accurate content. Social media can propagate misinformation, and this study identifies social media as an opportunity to improve education directed toward Black women to increase the utilization of in vitro fertilization services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Ava Rasouli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada
- Correspondence: Melody Ava Rasouli, M.D., M.B.A., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, 1701 W Charleston Blvd., Ste. 290, Las Vegas, Nevada 89102.
| | | | - Kajal Verma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada
| | - Cindy M. Duke
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada
- Nevada Fertility Institute, Las Vegas, Nevada
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24
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Handal-Orefice RC, McHale M, Friedman AM, Politch JA, Kuohung W. Impact of race versus ethnicity on infertility diagnosis between Black American, Haitian, African, and White American women seeking infertility care: a retrospective review. F S Rep 2022; 3:22-28. [PMID: 35937451 PMCID: PMC9349228 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine whether infertility diagnoses differ between Black ethnic subgroups. Design Retrospective review. Setting an urban safety-net hospital. Patient(s) Women seeking infertility care between 2005 and 2015. Intervention(s) Charts of women with infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnoses) were reviewed to confirm diagnoses. Data were stratified by race and subsequently by ethnicity to evaluate the differences in infertility diagnoses between Black American, Black Haitian, and Black African women. White American women were used as the comparison group. Main Outcome Measure(s) Infertility diagnoses between Black ethnic subgroups and White women. Result(s) A total of 358 women met the inclusion criteria, including 99 Black American, 110 Black Haitian, 61 Black African, and 88 White American women. Anovulation/polycystic ovary syndrome was the most common diagnosis in each ethnic group, accounting for 40% of infertility among White American, 57% among Black American, 25% among Black Haitian, and 21% among Black African women. There were no significant differences in the individual infertility diagnoses between Black and White women. Between ethnic subgroups, multivariate analysis showed significantly higher odds of infertility because of anovulation/polycystic ovary syndrome in Black American women compared with Black African women (odds ratio [OR], 4.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–17.0). Compared with Black African women, higher odds of tubal factor infertility were observed in Black American (OR, 4.7; 95% CI, 1.16–18.7) and Black Haitian women (OR, 4.0; 95% CI, 1.1–14.0). Conclusion(s) Infertility diagnoses were not homogeneous across Black ethnic groups. Studies examining infertility should specify the ethnic subgroups within a race because this may affect results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxane C. Handal-Orefice
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Slocum Dickson Medical Group, New Hartford, New York
- Reprint requests: Roxane Handal-Orefice, M.D., M.A.-M.P.H., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Slocum Dickson Medical Group, New Hartford, New York 10025.
| | - Melissa McHale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Alexander M. Friedman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Joseph A. Politch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Wendy Kuohung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
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25
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Christ JP, Vu M, Mehr H, Jackson-Bey T, Herndon CN. See one, do one, teach one: Reimagining reproductive endocrinology and infertility training programs to expand access to care. F S Rep 2022; 3:114-121. [PMID: 35937450 PMCID: PMC9349230 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To provide a review of the current literature surrounding barriers to reproductive medicine and present examples of how resident and fellow education can be used to overcome these barriers. Design A review of the relevant literature addressing barriers to reproductive medicine, resident and fellow education, and related materials was completed. Setting Academic medical institutions. Patient(s) None. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Health disparities and barriers in access to care. Result(s) Of barriers in access to care, 3 were reviewed in detail: cost of health care, racial inequities, and marginalization of immigrant communities. The suggested strategies to mitigate these barriers include the following: reducing racial inequities through improved diversity within reproductive medicine and through antiracism training, developing opportunities for trainees to engage in advocacy, strengthening reproductive endocrinology and infertility clinical exposure and educational curricula in training programs, inclusion of residents and fellows in clinical care, and improving the accessibility of fertility care through implementing approaches to optimize the management of infertility in challenging, resource-constrained settings. Conclusion(s) Infertility is one of the most prevalent reproductive health diseases, yet profound disparities and inequities in access to care exist today in the United States. Lower-income, minority, and immigrant communities are among those most marginalized. Improved access to care begins with broadened obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive endocrinology and infertility trainee education, which acknowledges the barriers these communities face and provides strategies to help overcome these obstacles to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob P. Christ
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Michelle Vu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Holly Mehr
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Tia Jackson-Bey
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Christopher N. Herndon
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
- Reprint requests: Christopher N. Herndon, M.D., Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Seattle, Washington 98195-6460.
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26
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Black–White Inequality in Outcomes of In Vitro Fertilization: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:1974-1982. [DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00928-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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27
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Dongarwar D, Mercado-Evans V, Adu-Gyamfi S, Laracuente ML, Salihu HM. Racial/ethnic disparities in infertility treatment utilization in the US, 2011-2019. Syst Biol Reprod Med 2022; 68:180-189. [PMID: 35345953 DOI: 10.1080/19396368.2022.2038718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
With delayed child-bearing age, there has been an increase in infertility rates globally and in the United States (US). Unsurprisingly, there has been a concomitant substantial increase in the number of individuals seeking infertility treatments over the last decade. This study aimed to examine the relationship between race/ethnicity and the utilization of different infertility treatments over the previous decade. We conducted this retrospective cohort study using the United States (US) Birth data files 2011-2019. We calculated the rates of infertility treatment and its subtypes over the study period. Descriptive statistics were utilized to examine the sociodemographic and birth characteristics for overall births and those associated with any infertility treatment and each of its subtypes. We calculated the level of association between race/ethnicity and utilization of infertility treatment and the subtypes using adjusted logistic regression models. We found that the rate of infertility treatments for all subtypes considered, had steadily increased by 63.7% within the past decade. In contrast, fertility enhancing drugs or Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) increased by 134%, and in vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), and zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT) treatments increased by 40% over the 9-year study period. Non-Hispanic (NH) Asian women had the highest rate of any infertility treatment with a rate of 25 per 1000 births whereas Hispanic women had the lowest rate of any infertility treatment at 5.8 per 1000 births. When compared with NH-White women, NH-Asian women had a modest 7% lower likelihood (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.92-0.94) of receiving any infertility treatment while NH-Black and Hispanic women had about 70% lower likelihood of receiving any infertility treatment. Our report of increased assisted reproductive technology (ART) utilization rates, and marked racial/ethnic differences in ART utilization highlight the importance of expanding knowledge of inequities that continue to impact marginalized groups, a critical step for informing actionable strategy formulations (i.e., advocacy, policy change, patient education, provider training) to address these inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa Dongarwar
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training, and Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vicki Mercado-Evans
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training, and Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sylvia Adu-Gyamfi
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training, and Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mei-Li Laracuente
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training, and Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hamisu M Salihu
- Center of Excellence in Health Equity, Training, and Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Family Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Tsai S, Chung EH, Truong T, Farrell AS, Wu J, Ohamadike O, Eaton JL. Racial and ethnic disparities among donor oocyte banks in the United States. Fertil Steril 2022; 117:622-628. [PMID: 35058045 PMCID: PMC9249380 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether racial and ethnic distributions of oocyte donors contributing to US oocyte banks differ from the demographics of US women and donor oocyte recipients. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING United States donor oocyte banks, US census, and fertility clinics reporting to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System. PATIENTS Oocyte donors from 12 banks, women aged 18-44 years based on the 2019 census, and US recipients of cryopreserved donor oocytes from 2012 to 2015. INTERVENTION None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Proportions of donors identifying as each racial and ethnic group. RESULTS Of the 1,574 oocyte donors, 678 (43.1%) identified as white compared with 54.8% of US women and 69.1% of donor oocyte recipients. Proportions of donors identifying as Hispanic or two or more races were larger than those of US women and donor oocyte recipients (Hispanic: 24.1% vs. 20.8%, and 24.1% vs. 8.8%, respectively; two or more races: 16.1% vs. 2.3%, and 16.1% vs. 0.5%, respectively). African American donors were underrepresented compared with US women (8.9% vs. 14.0%) and oocyte recipients (8.9% vs. 10.8%). Although the proportion of Asian donors was similar to that of US women (7.7% vs. 7.1%), Asian donors were underrepresented compared with donor oocyte recipients (7.7% vs. 10.6%). CONCLUSION Racial and ethnic distribution of oocyte donors differs significantly from the demographics of US women and cryopreserved donor oocyte recipients. These data suggest a need for targeted recruitment of African American and Asian oocyte donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelun Tsai
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.
| | - Esther H. Chung
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Duke University Medical Center, 5704 Fayetteville Road, Durham, NC 27713, United States
| | - Tracy Truong
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, 2424 Erwin Road Ste 1105, Durham, NC 27705, United States
| | - Amanda S. Farrell
- Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, 8 Searle Center Drive, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - Jenny Wu
- Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, 8 Searle Center Drive, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - Onyinye Ohamadike
- Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, 8 Searle Center Drive, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - Jennifer L. Eaton
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Duke University Medical Center, 5704 Fayetteville Road, Durham, NC 27713, United States,Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women and Infants Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 90 Plain Street, Providence, RI, 02903
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Sunderam S, Kissin DM, Zhang Y, Jewett A, Boulet SL, Warner L, Kroelinger CD, Barfield WD. Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance - United States, 2018. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT. SURVEILLANCE SUMMARIES (WASHINGTON, D.C. : 2002) 2022; 71:1-19. [PMID: 35176012 PMCID: PMC8865855 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.ss7104a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Problem/Condition Since the first U.S. infant conceived with assisted reproductive technology (ART) was born in 1981, both the use of ART and the number of fertility clinics providing ART services have increased steadily in the United States. ART includes fertility treatments in which eggs or embryos are handled in the laboratory (i.e., in vitro fertilization [IVF] and related procedures). Although the majority of infants conceived through ART are singletons, women who undergo ART procedures are more likely than women who conceive naturally to have multiple births because multiple embryos might be transferred. Multiple births can pose substantial risks for both mothers and infants, including obstetric complications, preterm birth (<37 weeks), and low birthweight (<2,500 g). This report provides state-specific information for the United States (including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico) on ART procedures performed in 2018 and compares birth outcomes that occurred in 2018 (resulting from ART procedures performed in 2017 and 2018) with outcomes for all infants born in the United States in 2018. Period Covered 2018. Description of System In 1995, CDC began collecting data on ART procedures performed in fertility clinics in the United States as mandated by the Fertility Clinic Success Rate and Certification Act of 1992 (Public Law 102–493 [October 24, 1992]). Data are collected through the National ART Surveillance System (NASS), a web-based data collection system developed by CDC. This report includes data from the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Results In 2018, a total of 203,119 ART procedures (range: 196 in Alaska to 26,028 in California) were performed in 456 U.S. fertility clinics and reported to CDC. These procedures resulted in 73,831 live-birth deliveries (range: 76 in Puerto Rico and Wyoming to 9,666 in California) and 81,478 infants born (range: 84 in Wyoming to 10,620 in California). Nationally, among women aged 15–44 years, the rate of ART procedures performed was 3,135 per 1 million women. ART use exceeded 1.5 times the national rate in seven states (Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island) and the District of Columbia. ART use rates exceeded the national rate in an additional seven states (California, Delaware, Hawaii, New Hampshire, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia). Nationally, among all ART transfer procedures, the average number of embryos transferred was similar across age groups (1.3 among women aged <35 years, 1.3 among women aged 35–37 years, and 1.4 among women aged >37 years). The national single-embryo transfer (SET) rate among all embryo-transfer procedures was 74.1% among women aged <35 years (range: 28.2% in Puerto Rico to 89.5% in Delaware), 72.8% among women aged 35–37 years (range: 30.6% in Puerto Rico to 93.7% in Delaware), and 66.4% among women aged >37 years (range: 27.1% in Puerto Rico to 85.3% in Delaware). In 2018, ART contributed to 2.0% of all infants born in the United States (range: 0.4% in Puerto Rico to 5.1% in Massachusetts) from procedures performed in 2017 and 2018. Approximately 78.6% of ART-conceived infants were singleton infants. Overall, ART contributed to 12.5% of all multiple births, including 12.5% of all twin births and 13.3% of all triplets and higher-order births. ART-conceived twins accounted for approximately 97.1% (15,532 of 16,001) of all ART-conceived multiple births. The percentage of multiple births was higher among infants conceived with ART (21.4%) than among all infants born in the total birth population (3.3%). Approximately 20.7% (15,532 of 74,926) of ART-conceived infants were twins, and 0.6% (469 of 74,926) were triplets and higher-order multiples. Nationally, infants conceived with ART contributed to 4.2% of all low birthweight (<2,500 g) infants. Among ART-conceived infants, 18.3% were low birthweight compared with 8.3% among all infants. ART-conceived infants contributed to 5.1% of all preterm (gestational age <37 weeks) infants. The percentage of preterm births was higher among infants conceived with ART (26.1%) than among all infants born in the total birth population (10.0%). The percentage of low birthweight among singletons was 8.3% among ART-conceived infants and 6.6% among all infants born. The percentage of preterm births among ART-conceived singleton infants was 14.9% compared with 8.3% among all singleton infants. The percentages of small for gestational age infants was 7.3% among ART-conceived infants compared with 9.4% among all infants. Interpretation Although singleton infants accounted for the majority of ART-conceived infants, multiple births from ART varied substantially among states and nationally, contributing to >12% of all twins, triplets, and higher-order multiple infants born in the United States. Because multiple births are associated with higher rates of prematurity than singleton births, the contribution of ART to poor birth outcomes continues to be noteworthy. Although SET rates increased among all age groups, variations in SET rates among states and territories remained, which might reflect variations in embryo-transfer practices among fertility clinics and might in part account for variations in multiple birth rates among states and territories. Public Health Action Reducing the number of embryos transferred and increasing use of SET, when clinically appropriate, can help reduce multiple births and related adverse health consequences for both mothers and infants. Whereas risks to mothers from multiple-birth pregnancy include higher rates of caesarean delivery, gestational hypertension, and gestational diabetes, infants from multiple births are at increased risk for numerous adverse sequelae such as preterm birth, birth defects, and developmental disabilities. Long-term follow-up of ART infants through integration of existing maternal and infant health surveillance systems and registries with data available from NASS might be useful for monitoring adverse outcomes on a population basis.
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Cebert-Gaitors M, Shannon-Baker PA, Silva SG, Hart RE, Jahandideh S, Gonzalez-Guarda R, Stevenson EL. Psychobiological, Clinical, and Sociocultural Factors Influencing Black Women to Seek Treatment for Infertility: A Mixed Methods Study. F S Rep 2022; 3:29-39. [PMID: 35937441 PMCID: PMC9349229 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To provide a comprehensive and multidimensional description and conceptualization of the experiences of Black women seeking treatment for infertility. Design Convergent parallel mixed-methods study combining retrospective chart review data and semistructured interview data. Setting Private infertility clinic. Patient(s) African American/Black women between 18 and 44 years of age who presented for an initial infertility evaluation with a male partner between January 2015 and September 2019 at an infertility clinic in the metropolitan Washington D.C. area. Intervention(s) None Main Outcome(s) Treatment seeking. Measure(s) Psychobiological, clinical, and sociocultural factors. Result(s) Along with the psychobiological, clinical, and sociocultural domains, we understood that Black women who sought treatment for infertility were older and overweight, had complex gynecological diagnoses, and experienced infertility for long periods of time. The delay in seeking treatment was possibly because of a low perceived risk of infertility, poor understanding of treatment options, inadequate referral patterns of primary care providers, and limited social support. Further, Black women experienced delays in seeking treatment because they attempted lifestyle-based self-interventions before considering medical interventions. Facilitators to care included psychological distress, complex gynecological medical history, and finding culturally competent providers. Conclusion(s) The study findings show that Black women in the United States are vulnerable to disparities in healthcare delivery, especially within reproductive endocrinology. Our findings highlight areas where Black women are experiencing missed opportunities for teaching, early identification, and early referrals for infertility-related concerns. Future studies should seek to reduce barriers to infertility treatment at the clinical and policy levels.
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Jwa SC, Ishihara O, Kuwahara A, Saito K, Saito H, Terada Y, Kobayashi Y, Maeda E. Social capital and use of assisted reproductive technology in young couples: Ecological study using application information for government subsidies in Japan. SSM Popul Health 2021; 16:100995. [PMID: 34950764 PMCID: PMC8671120 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is a globally established treatment; however, large disparities exist in ART use among young couples. We investigated regional-level factors associated with ART use in Japan. METHODS We calculated the use rate of ART using the number of women aged <35 years who applied for government subsidies in 2017; we divided that figure by the number of women aged 20-35 years in each prefecture. Prefectural-level average household income; social capital indicators including voting rate, volunteer rate, and move-in rate; and Gini coefficients as indicators of income inequality were linked to ART use, adjusting for prefectural size, the mean age of women at first marriage, number of ART facilities, and additional prefectural subsidies. RESULTS The rate of ART use (per 10,000 women) varied significantly from 22.0 to 58.8 across Japan's 47 prefectures. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the use rate increased by 0.048 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.007 to 0.088) for each 10,000-yen increase in average household income and 1.5 (95% CI, 0.65 to 2.3) for each 1% increase in volunteer rate. Conversely, the use rate decreased by 18.4 (95% CI, -28.6 to -8.1) for each 1% increase in the move-in rate. There was no significant association between ART use and income inequality. CONCLUSION Although we cannot infer causal relationships, the findings suggest that improving financial access and enhancing social capital may increase access to ART. Further research, particularly multilevel analysis using individual data, is required to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Chik Jwa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan
| | - Osamu Ishihara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama, Saitama, 350-0495, Japan
| | - Akira Kuwahara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15, Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Kazuki Saito
- Department of Pediatrics, Perinatal, and Maternal Medicine (Ibaraki), Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Saito
- Umegaoka Women's Clinic, 1-33-3, Umegaoka, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 154-0022, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Terada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Akita University, 1-1-1, Hondo, Akita, 010-8543, Japan
| | - Yasuki Kobayashi
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Eri Maeda
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Public Health, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1, Hondo, Akita, 010-8543, Japan
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Vu M, Nguyen A, Alur-Gupta S. Asian Americans and Infertility: Genetic Susceptibilities, Sociocultural Stigma and Access to Care. F S Rep 2021; 3:40-45. [PMID: 35937455 PMCID: PMC9349240 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility affects over 6 million people in the United States and has been shown to disproportionally affect minority patient populations. Asian American infertility is a particularly understudied area of research. This mini review article explores the current state of published research focusing on Asian American infertility trends as well as their barriers to fertility care. A small number of published studies have found that Asian American patients have decreased success with fertility treatments, including lower rates of pregnancy and live birth. These trends may be attributed to a combination of genetic, environmental, and cultural factors, which will be discussed here in further detail. It is crucial to continue building on Asian American fertility research to provide this diverse patient population with comprehensive, compassionate, and culturally sensitive care.
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Impact of access to care and race/ethnicity on IVF care discontinuation. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 44:1159-1168. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Zhou B, Joudeh A, Desai MJ, Kwan B, Nalawade V, Whitcomb BW, Su HI. Trends in Infertility Care Among Commercially Insured US Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2128520. [PMID: 34613406 PMCID: PMC8495534 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.28520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Beth Zhou
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Ammar Joudeh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Milli J. Desai
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Brian Kwan
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Vinit Nalawade
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Brian W. Whitcomb
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
| | - H. Irene Su
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
- OptumLabs Visiting Fellow, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Advancements in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and policy development have enabled more people to have biologically related children in Canada. However, as ART continues to focus on infertility and low fertility of heterosexual couples, ART access and research has been uneven towards meeting the reproductive needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQ2SIA +) people. Furthermore, experiences of reproduction are impacted by intersectional lived realities of race, gender, sexuality, and class. This commentary utilizes a reproductive justice (RJ) framework to consider reproductive access for LGBTQ2SIA + Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC), while simultaneously engaging through a critical lens RJ has on ART. An RJ framework considers the constitutive elements of reproductive capacity and decision making that are not often at the forefront of reproductive health discussions. Additionally, this commentary discusses reproductive rights violations and reproductive violence such as coerced and forced sterilizations that have and are currently occurring in Canada. This article considers systems of access and structures of regulation that seek to control the reproductive capacities of marginalized communities, while empowering accessibility and upholding white supremacy and heteronormativity. In thinking through research and access in ART, who are ART users and whose reproduction is centered in research and access in Canada? CONCLUSION A reproductive justice framework is urgently needed to address inequities of sexual and reproductive health access in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle W Tam
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College St Room 500, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada.
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Murugappan G, Alvero RJ, Lyell DJ, Khandelwal A, Leonard SA. Development and validation of a risk prediction index for severe maternal morbidity based on preconception comorbidities among infertile patients. Fertil Steril 2021; 116:1372-1380. [PMID: 34266662 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop and validate a preconception risk prediction index for severe maternal morbidity (SMM), defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as indicators of a life-threatening complication, among infertile patients. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of live births and stillbirths from 2007 to 2017 among infertile women. SETTING National commercial claims database. PATIENT(S) Infertile women identified on the basis of diagnosis, testing, or treatment codes. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The primary outcome was SMM, identified as any indicator from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Index except blood transfusion alone, which was found to overestimate cases. Twenty preconception comorbidities associated with a risk of SMM were selected from prior literature. Targeted ensemble learning methods were used to rank the importance of comorbidities as potential risk factors for SMM. The independent strength of the association between each comorbidity and SMM was then used to define each comorbidity's risk score. RESULT(S) Among 94,097 infertile women with a delivery, 2.3% (n = 2,181) experienced an SMM event. The highest risk of SMM was conferred by pulmonary hypertension, hematologic disorders, renal disease, and cardiac disease. Associated significant risks were lowest for substance abuse disorders, prior cesarean section, age ≥40 years, gastrointestinal disease, anemia, mental health disorders, and asthma. The receiver operating characteristic area under the curve for the developed comorbidity score was 0.66. Calibration plots showed good concordance between the predicted and actual risk of SMM. CONCLUSION(S) We developed and validated an index to predict the probability of SMM on the basis of preconception comorbidities in patients with infertility. This tool may inform preconception counseling of infertile women and support maternal health research initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayathree Murugappan
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Sunnyvale, California.
| | - Ruben J Alvero
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Sunnyvale, California
| | - Deirdre J Lyell
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Abha Khandelwal
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Stephanie A Leonard
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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Galic I, Swanson A, Warren C, Negris O, Bozen A, Brown D, Lawson A, Jain T. Infertility in the Midwest: perceptions and attitudes of current treatment. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 225:61.e1-61.e11. [PMID: 33617795 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although infertility affects an estimated 6.1 million individuals in the United States, only half of those individuals seek fertility treatment and the majority of those patients are White and of high socioeconomic status. Research has shown that insurance mandates are not enough to ensure equal access. Many workplaces, schools, and medical education programs have made efforts in recent years to improve the cultural humility of providers in efforts to engage more racially and economically underrepresented groups in medical care. However, these efforts have not been assessed on a population of patients receiving fertility care, an experience that is uniquely shaped by individual social, cultural, and economic factors. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to better understand the racial, cultural, economic, and religious factors that impact patient experiences obtaining fertility care. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional self-administered survey was administered at an academic fertility center in Chicago, Illinois. Of 5000 consecutive fertility care patients, 1460 completed the survey and were included in the study sample. No interventions were used. Descriptive univariate frequencies and percentages were calculated to summarize sociodemographic and other relevant patient characteristics (eg, race or ethnicity, age, household income, religious affiliation, insurance coverage). Rates of endorsing perceived physician cultural competency were compared among demographic subgroups using Pearson chi-squared tests with 2-sided P<.05 indicative of statistical significance. To identify the key determinants of patient-reported worry regarding 9 different fertility treatment outcomes and related concerns, a series of multiple logistic regression models were fit to examine factors associated with patient report of being "very worried" or "extremely worried." RESULTS Members of our sample (N=1460) were between 20 and 58 years of age (meanadjusted, 36.2; standard deviation, 4.4). Among Black participants, 42.3% reported that their physician does not understand their cultural background compared with 16.5% of White participants (P<.0001). Participants who identified as Latinx were significantly more likely than White participants to report being very/extremely worried about side effects of treatment, a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancies, and birth defects (P<.05, P=.02, P=.002, P=.001, respectively). Individuals who identify as Hindu were nearly 4 times more likely to report being very/extremely worried about experiencing an ectopic pregnancy than nonreligious participants (P<.0002). Respondents most strongly identified the biology or physiology of the couple (meanadjusted, 21.6; confidence interval, 20.4-22.7) and timing or age (meanadjusted, 27.8; confidence interval, 26.5-29.1) as being associated with fertility. Overall, respondents most strongly disagreed that the ability to bear children rests upon God's will (meanadjusted, 65.4; confidence interval, 63.7-67.1), which differed most significantly by race (P<.0001) and religion (P<.0001). CONCLUSION Of the patient characteristics investigated, racial and ethnic subgroups showed the greatest degree of variation in regard to worries and concerns surrounding the experience of fertility treatment. Our findings emphasize a need for improved cultural humility on behalf of physicians, in addition to affordable psychological support for all patients seeking fertility care.
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Disparities in ART Live Birth and Cumulative Live Birth Outcomes for Hispanic and Asian Women Compared to White Non-Hispanic Women. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10122615. [PMID: 34198545 PMCID: PMC8231797 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Conflicting disparities have been seen in assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes for Hispanic and Asian women compared to white, non-Hispanic (WNH) women. We, therefore, sought to clarify these disparities and calculated cumulative live birth rates (CLBR) for these racial or ethnic groups using the SARTCORS database. METHODS: We performed an analysis of the 2014–2016 SARTCORS database for member clinics doing at least 50 cycles of ART each year. RESULTS: In comparison to cycles in WNH women, cycles in Hispanic and Asian patients were in older (p < 0.001), more nulliparous women, that were less likely to have a history of endometriosis compared WNH women regardless of prior ART status. ART cycles in Hispanic and Asian women, exhibited lower rates of live birth (LB) per cycle start (p < 0.001) compared to cycles in WNH women. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that cycles from Hispanic and Asian women were less likely to have a LB and CLBR than white women (OR 0.86; p = 0.004, OR 0.69; p < 0.001, respectively) independent of age, parity, BMI, etiology of infertility, use of ICSI or number of embryos transferred. CONCLUSIONS: Race or ethnicity continues to be an independent prognostic factor for LB and CLBR for ART. Additional analysis of trends among Hispanic and Asian women is warranted to enable addressing disparities in outcomes in ART treatment.
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Alur-Gupta S, Lee I, Chemerinski A, Liu C, Lipson J, Allison K, Gallop R, Dokras A. Racial differences in anxiety, depression, and quality of life in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. F S Rep 2021; 2:230-237. [PMID: 34278359 PMCID: PMC8267396 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate racial differences in the anxiety and depression prevalence and scores in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Academic institution. PATIENTS Reproductive-aged women with PCOS (n = 272) and controls (n = 295). INTERVENTIONS Hospital anxiety and depression scale and modified PCOS quality-of-life survey (MPCOS-Q). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Differences in depression and anxiety scores and quality-of-life score measured using the hospital anxiety and depression scale and MPCOS-Q were determined between White and Black women with PCOS. Multivariable correlation regressions assessed the association of the Ferriman-Gallwey score, total testosterone, body mass index (BMI), and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance with anxiety, depression, and quality-of-life scores. RESULTS Multivariable regression controlling for age, BMI, and socioeconomic status showed that White women with PCOS had a significantly higher prevalence of anxiety than Black women with PCOS (75.9% vs. 61.3%) and significantly higher anxiety scores (mean ± SD, 10.3 ± 4.1 vs. 8.7 ± 4.6). The prevalence of depression (24.4% vs. 29%) and depression scores (4.8 ± 3.6 vs. 5.1 ± 4.0) was not significantly different. In multivariable correlation regressions, the interaction between BMI and race in its association with anxiety scores was significant. The association of race with Ferriman-Gallwey score, total testosterone, or homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance was not significant. In multivariable models, although the total MPCOS-Q scores were similar, the infertility domain was significantly lower in Black women with PCOS (mean ± SD, 12.6 ± 7.8 vs. 17.5 ± 6.8) indicating a lower quality of life related to infertility. CONCLUSION Racial differences identified in the prevalence of anxiety and MPCOS-Q domains suggest the importance of routine screening and provide an opportunity for targeted interventions based on race.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snigdha Alur-Gupta
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Iris Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Anat Chemerinski
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Chang Liu
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jenna Lipson
- Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kelly Allison
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert Gallop
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Anuja Dokras
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Kirubarajan A, Patel P, Leung S, Prethipan T, Sierra S. Barriers to fertility care for racial/ethnic minority groups: a qualitative systematic review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xfnr.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Association between maternal race and the use of assisted reproductive technology in the USA. SN COMPREHENSIVE CLINICAL MEDICINE 2021; 3:1106-1114. [PMID: 33758793 PMCID: PMC7972807 DOI: 10.1007/s42399-021-00853-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in the field of infertility medicine and its availability, disparities affect the accessibility status worldwide. Racial disparities could potentially affect the utilization of assisted reproductive technology (ART). We aimed at studying the association between maternal race and the use of ART treatment in the USA. We analyzed a secondary dataset (2017 Natality) obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This cross-sectional study acquired information on maternal race as well as ART utilization from women living within the reporting States and US territories. We analyzed the data using descriptive, bivariate, and regression analysis. A total of 3,864,754 live births out of 325,719,178 US races and origin populations were reported for the 2017 review year. A total of 42,846 women who had a live birth reported utilization of ART out of 67,554 respondents. The Chi-square test showed a statistically significant association between maternal race and the use of ART treatment, p value 0.01. Unadjusted regression odds of the utilization of ART at 95 % confidence interval (CI) was 87% higher among non-Hispanic Asian women as compared to the non-Hispanic White. We also found higher odds for maternal age 35-54 years 2.41 (95% CI 2.34-2.49), maternal education (above college degree) 1.36 (95% CI 1.31-1.42), and non-smoking status 2.44 (95% CI 2.02-2.94). Compared to the non-Hispanic white race, the adjusted regression odds were lower for all other racial/ethnic minorities except for the non-Hispanic Asian 63% (95% CI 1.09-2.44) and non-Hispanic mixed race 59% (95% CI 0.81-3.10) subgroups. The study finds the utilization of ART in the USA to be associated with maternal race.
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Ishihara O, Arce JC. Individualized follitropin delta dosing reduces OHSS risk in Japanese IVF/ICSI patients: a randomized controlled trial. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 42:909-918. [PMID: 33722477 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION This study aimed to establish the efficacy and safety of ovarian stimulation with a follitropin delta individualized fixed-dose regimen based on serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration and body weight versus conventional follitropin beta dosing in Japanese women. DESIGN This randomized, controlled, assessor-blind, multicentre, non-inferiority trial was conducted in 347 Japanese IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients. They were randomized to individualized follitropin delta (AMH <15 pmol/l: 12 µg/day; AMH ≥15 pmol/l: 0.10-0.19 µg/kg/day; minimum 6 µg/day; maximum 12 µg/day) or conventional follitropin beta (150 IU/day for the first 5 days, with potential subsequent dose adjustments). The primary end-point was the number of oocytes retrieved with a pre-specified non-inferiority margin (-3.0 oocytes). RESULTS The primary trial objective was met, as non-inferiority was established for number of oocytes retrieved for individualized follitropin delta dosing compared with conventional follitropin beta dosing (9.3 versus 10.5; lower boundary of 95% confidence interval -2.3). The occurrence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) was reduced to approximately half with individualized compared with conventional dosing, with an incidence of 11.2% versus 19.8% (P = 0.021) for OHSS of any grade and 7.1% versus 14.1% (P = 0.027) for moderate/severe OHSS. The live birth rate per started cycle was 23.5% for individualized dosing and 18.6% for conventional dosing. CONCLUSIONS Dosing with individualized follitropin delta in Japanese women is non-inferior to conventional dosing with follitropin beta for number of oocytes retrieved. The individualized approach shows a favourable benefit-risk profile, providing a statistically significant and clinically relevant reduction in the incidence of OHSS, without compromising live birth rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Ishihara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Saitama Medical University, Moroyama, Iruma-gun, Saitama, Japan
| | - Joan-Carles Arce
- Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Reproductive Medicine & Maternal Health, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Willson SF, Bortoletto P, Romanski P, Davis OK, Rosenwaks Z. Reproductive and obstetric outcomes in women of racial minorities aged 40 years and older undergoing IVF. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 42:1181-1186. [PMID: 33931372 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Do women of racial minorities aged 40 years or older have similar reproductive and obstetric outcomes as white women undergoing IVF? DESIGN A retrospective cohort study conducted at a single academic university-affiliated centre. The study population included women aged 40 years or older undergoing their first IVF cycle with fresh cleavage-stage embryo transfer stratified by racial minority status: minority (black or Asian) versus white. Clinical intrauterine pregnancy and live birth rate were the primary outcomes. Preterm delivery (<37 weeks) and small for gestational age were the secondary outcomes. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were estimated. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS A total of 2050 cycles in women over the age of 40 years were analysed, 561 (27.4%) of which were undertaken by minority women and 1489 (72.6%) by white women. Minority women were 30% less likely to achieve a pregnancy compared with their white (non-Hispanic) counterparts (adjusted OR 0.68, CI 0.54 to 0.87). Once pregnant, however, the odds of live birth were similar (adjusted OR 1.23, CI 0.91 to 1.67). Minority women were significantly more likely to have lower gestational ages at time of delivery (38.5 versus 39.2 weeks, P = 0.009) and were more likely to have extreme preterm birth delivery 24-28 weeks (5.5 versus 1.0%, P = 0.021). CONCLUSION Minority women of advanced reproductive age are less likely to achieve a pregnancy compared with white (non-Hispanic) women. Once pregnancy is achieved, however, live birth rates are similar albeit with minority women experiencing higher rates of preterm delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie F Willson
- The Ronald O Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1305 York Avenue, 6th Floor New York, New York 10021, USA
| | - Pietro Bortoletto
- The Ronald O Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1305 York Avenue, 6th Floor New York, New York 10021, USA
| | - Phillip Romanski
- The Ronald O Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1305 York Avenue, 6th Floor New York, New York 10021, USA
| | - Owen K Davis
- The Ronald O Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1305 York Avenue, 6th Floor New York, New York 10021, USA.
| | - Zev Rosenwaks
- The Ronald O Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1305 York Avenue, 6th Floor New York, New York 10021, USA
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Infertility Treatment and Fertility Preservation. Nurs Womens Health 2021; 25:e1-e3. [PMID: 33461900 DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Melado L, Vitorino R, Coughlan C, Bixio LD, Arnanz A, Elkhatib I, De Munck N, Fatemi HM, Lawrenz B. Ethnic and Sociocultural Differences in Ovarian Reserve: Age-Specific Anti-Müllerian Hormone Values and Antral Follicle Count for Women of the Arabian Peninsula. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:735116. [PMID: 34745004 PMCID: PMC8567992 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.735116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) age-specific reference values form the basis of infertility treatments, yet they were based upon studies performed primarily on Caucasian populations. However, they may vary across different age-matched ethnic populations. This study aimed to describe age-specific serum AMH and AFC for women native to the Arabian Peninsula. METHODS A retrospective large-scale study was performed including 2,495 women, aged 19 to 50 years, native to the Arabian Peninsula. AMH and AFC were measured as part of their fertility assessment at tertiary-care fertility centres. Age-specific values and nomograms were calculated. RESULTS 2,495 women were evaluated. Mean, standard deviation and median values were calculated for AMH and AFC by 1-year and 5-years intervals. Median age was 34.81 years, median AMH was 1.76ng/ml and median AFC was 11. From the total group, 40.60% presented with AMH levels below 1.3ng/mL. For women <45 years old, the decrease in AFC was between -0.6/-0.8 per year. Up to 36 years old, the decrease of AMH was 0.1ng/ml. However, from 36 to 40 years old, an accelerated decline of 0.23ng/ml yearly was noted. In keeping with local customs, 71.23% of women wore the hijab and 25.76% the niqab. AMH and AFC were significantly lower for niqab group compared with hijab group (p=0.02 and p=0.04, respectively). CONCLUSION This is to-date the largest data set on age-specific AMH and AFC values in women from the Arabian Peninsula aiming to increase clinical awareness of the ovarian reserve in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Melado
- Medical Department, ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Laura Melado,
| | - Raquel Vitorino
- Medical Department, ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Carol Coughlan
- Medical Department, Advanced Reproductive Technologies (ART) Fertility Clinics, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Ana Arnanz
- Medical Department, ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Departamento de Biomedicina y Biotecnología, Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ibrahim Elkhatib
- Medical Department, ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Neelke De Munck
- Medical Department, ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Human M. Fatemi
- Medical Department, ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Barbara Lawrenz
- Medical Department, ART Fertility Clinics, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Medical Department, Women’s University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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Self-reported barriers to accessing infertility care: patient perspectives from urban gynecology clinics. J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:3007-3014. [PMID: 33244666 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01997-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE (1) To test the hypothesis that under-represented minority women, including Hispanic/Latina and African American or Black women, will be more likely to report greater socioeconomic and cultural barriers to infertility care compared with white women. (2) To identify gaps in knowledge that can guide future educational interventions. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was completed by 242 women, ages 18-44, at five gynecology clinics in the greater Boston, Massachusetts area from February 27, 2018, to February 25, 2019. RESULTS Of the respondents, 61.4% identified as Hispanic/Latina, 24.5% as white, and 6.6% as Black or African American. Cost was the most commonly reported barrier to care (62.8%) regardless of race/ethnicity or insurance status. Only 8.9% of participants were aware of personal insurance coverage for infertility treatment. Compared with white patients, Hispanic/Latina patients were less likely to know if their own insurance covered infertility treatment: 14.3% vs 6.8%; aRR 0.36 (95% CI 0.17-0.74), after adjusting for a personal history of infertility. CONCLUSION Cost was the most commonly reported barrier to care. Most women were unaware of their insurance coverage despite the state insurance mandate to cover infertility treatment in Massachusetts. Education and outreach will be instrumental in helping address disparities in access to care.
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Adeleye AJ. Considering race in the administration of fertility preservation. A commentary on: "Equal opportunity for all? An analysis of race and ethnicity in fertility preservation in a major American city". J Assist Reprod Genet 2020; 37:3015-3016. [PMID: 33205357 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-020-01979-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies that focus on disparities in care should aim to discern differences both within their communities and also among larger populations to improve the applicability of important findings. Such work should attempt to discern what factors may be influential in creating or contributing to racial inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Adeleye
- Section of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 2050, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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Yogasundram HM, Hui AJO, Sia CYS, Chui AC, Waldock WJ, Quenby S, Brown E, Oliver-Williams C. Reproductive outcomes in women and men using complementary and alternative medicine treatment and not receiving artificial reproductive technology: a systematic review. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2020; 303:821-835. [PMID: 33083872 PMCID: PMC7960609 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-020-05836-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Infertility is a global problem, but only a minority of couples access assisted reproductive technologies due to financial and sociocultural barriers. Complementary and alternative medicine are seen as another option. We aimed to determine the impact of complementary and alternative medicine on conception, miscarriage and live birth rates in couples not receiving assisted reproductive technology treatments. Methods The electronic databases EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science and the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database were systematically searched before March 24th 2020. Reference lists of eligible studies were searched for relevant studies. Eligible studies included trials and observational studies that assessed a complementary or alternative medicine and conception, miscarriage or live births in men or women not undergoing fertility treatment. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers using a pre-designed data collection form. The study protocol was published in the PROSPERO database (CRD42018086980). Results Twenty randomized controlled trials were identified, including 2748 individuals. Most studies did not demonstrate any effect of a complementary or alternative medicine on pregnancy, live birth or miscarriage rates. Limited evidence was found for a positive effect of herbal therapies taken by women on conception rates. There was substantial diversity in quality across the studies. Conclusion There is limited evidence of the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine on improving the chances of conception and live births, or increasing miscarriage risk. Owing to the generally sub-optimal quality and heterogeneous nature of the evidence, rigorous studies are needed to determine the impact of complementary and alternative medicine on fertility. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00404-020-05836-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew J O Hui
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Clifford Y S Sia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anthea C Chui
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Siobhan Quenby
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK.,University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Clare Oliver-Williams
- Homerton College, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK. .,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, 2 Worts' Causeway, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK.
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Kelly-Hedrick M, Gross MS. HIV-, HBV-, and HCV-Related Information on U.S. Fertility Clinic Websites: A Content Analysis. Health Equity 2020; 4:345-352. [PMID: 32908955 PMCID: PMC7473042 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2019.0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: People living with human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, or hepatitis C virus (PLHIV/HBV/HCV) face barriers to assisted reproductive technologies (ART), in part, due to laws and professional regulations mandating dedicated laboratory facilities and storage tanks for reproductive tissue to minimize theoretical risk of cross-contamination. These guidelines greatly increase the expense of providing equal care, however, fertility clinics are neither required to treat nor disclose whether they treat PLHIV/HBV/HCV. Clinics' websites are an important source of information regarding available services for prospective patients and referring providers. We assessed whether clinic websites disclose availability of ART for PLHIV/HBV/HCV. Methods: Websites for Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology-accredited clinics in Northeast and South Atlantic United States were searched systematically for HIV-, HBV-, or HCV-specific content. Qualitative and thematic analysis was performed. Clinic characteristics (annual volume, practice setting) were collected. Results: Of 136 websites, nine (6.6%) had information relevant to PLHIV seeking infertility treatment, and seven (5.1%) offered at least some treatments. Three clinics (2.2%) also mentioned treatment information relevant for PLHBV/HCV, one of which offered treatment. Information was often difficult to find or interpret. By contrast, 77/136 (56.6%) of clinics mentioned universally screening patients for HIV and 77/136 (56.6%) mentioned screening for HBV/HCV before ART. Conclusion: Given economic disincentives to providing ART to PLHIV/HBV/HCV under current guidelines, the paucity of clinics openly offering treatment suggests a troubling lack of transparency or, possibly, a lack of available care. Further research should examine the impact of current guidelines and whether dedicated facilities and storage are medically indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot Kelly-Hedrick
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marielle S Gross
- Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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