Vol. 8, Issue 11, Part B (2022)

Aim: To evaluate knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) regarding fertility preservation among various physicians involved in treatment and care of cancer patients and identify the potential barriers for the discussion of fertility preservation.

Settings and Design: It is a survey-based cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 3 months North Indian tertiary care infertility clinic, RISSA IVF, New Delhi.

Materials and Methods: the consent and completed survey consisting of a series of structured questionnaire, responses were obtained online through a link to Google forms. 210 doctors including gynaecologist’s infertility specialist and oncosurgeons were sent the form out of which 100 responses were received. The results were analysed by using SPSS software.

Results: The knowledge among respondents from all specialties regarding impact of cancer treatment on fertility was very high. The rates of knowledge regarding various fertility preservation (FP) options were variable, least knowledge regarding the transposition of ovaries/gonads, testicular tissue cryopreservation, fertility-sparing chemotherapy. There were variations in clinician’s attitude and practice regarding various fertility issues of the patient and fertility preservation based on the specialty of clinicians. Nearly three-fourth discuss various FP options but only one-third provide written information on the same. The referral practice for FP was variable and was influenced by many factors. The factors considered most important for barriers to fertility preservation are socioeconomic status/cost and affordability issues, prognosis, type of cancer and type of treatment.

Conclusion: The fertility preservation as a concept is relatively evolving and its awareness has increased over the years. However this concept demands more depth, discussion and maybe guidelines and its implementation. This concept requires regular update through informational programs, conferences. There should be more defined guidelines available for the clinicians to treat patients helping them to take decisions regarding treatment and timely referral to fertility preservation centres.