Motivational Factors and Barriers for Infertile Patients and Their Partners to Seek Consultation and Treatment in Australia

Abstract

Background: Individuals and couples frequently wait years prior to seeking out medical advice and treatment for infertility, decreasing their chances of treatment success. The causes of delays to diagnosis, treatment and pregnancy are not well established amongst patients or their partners. Aim: To understand the key drivers and barriers for infertile patients and their partners to see an infertility specialist and subsequently undergo treatment. Method: An online quantitative survey collected data from 200 respondents in Australia in 2019. Average age was 35.7y (±10.5), 66% of patients were female, 47% of partners were female, 63% were married and 86% were heterosexual. Results: Average time to diagnosis was 3.1y (±2.4), followed by an average 1.4y (±1.4) attempting natural conception before consultation, and an average 1.4y (±1.4) of treatment before successful couples achieved pregnancy. The most frequently reported driver for considering treatment in respondents with a consultation (N=109) was an equal desire within couples to have a child by any means necessary (47%), followed by being comfortable with the treatment options and recommendations presented to them (45%). Among partners, 29% cited transparency of information from HCPs about treatment expectations as an important driver. Of respondents not seeking treatment after consultation (n=20), the most frequent reason was perceived cost (40%). Post consultation, only 15% of respondents not seeking treatment (n=20) reported that their HCP offered supportive services, compared to 55% of respondents seeking treatment (p[Formula: see text]0.002). 30% of respondents not seeking treatment agreed that their HCP provided resources to find a suitable infertility specialist, compared with 68% among those receiving treatment (p[Formula: see text]0.003). 30% of respondents not seeking treatment agreed that their HCP provided them with resources about their diagnosis, compared with 67% among those receiving treatment (p[Formula: see text]0.004). Conclusion: There were significant differences in perceived HCP services among respondents seeking treatment versus not seeking treatment.