Psychosocial and environmental motivational key factors behind the parenthood desire in infertile couples at the time of COVID-19

To evaluate the main psychosocial motivational factors behind the increased adoption of IVF during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This prospective, multicenter, observational case–control study assessed the factors motivating infertile couples to pursue their first IVF treatment during the pandemic across various IVF clinics in Spain, Portugal, Italy, the USA, and Panama. A pre-pandemic control group and a post-pandemic participant group were surveyed. The study was conducted between November 2021 and January 2023. The increase in IVF cycles was analyzed, and an ad hoc survey was developed to explore the motivational factors driving IVF engagement.

Most clinics reported a significant increase in IVF demand (5.5–8.7%) for all indicators, including the number of started ovarian stimulations, oocyte pickups, and embryo transfers, following the declaration of the pandemic. The extra time spent and the reduced workload were the most important motivations prompting women to pursue their first fertility treatment during the pandemic (time to spend in the couple’s relationship—OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.06–2.20; p < 0.05; decreased workload—OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.11–6.24; p < 0.05).

This study highlights that infertility remains a significant stressor for individuals, and the desire to resolve it is not hindered by catastrophic events like COVID-19. Open communication between partners about reproductive intentions, combined with reduced work-related stress, is a key factor influencing the initiation of fertility treatment. It is crucial to encourage couples to take timely action in facing infertility.