SCIENTIFIC STUDIES ON THE EFFECTS OF THE CHANGES IN TREATMENT PROCESSES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON INFERTILE COUPLES: LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has been rapidly raging. Suspending the services related to infertility and assisted reproductive techniques are among the measures taken to prevent the spread of the epidemic. Various guides and recommendations have been published by many national and international associations for this purpose. Recommendations foresee the completion of cycles that have already been initiated and require no new reproductive therapies to be initiated except for patients with low ovarian reserve and those with a background of oncological disorders. The majority of couples whose treatment is suspended/postponed throughout this process have experienced intense stress, sadness and anxiety. In addition, some of the patients do not have adequate coping skills. This article is designated as a literature review in order to provide information about the current emotional states of infertile couples throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and to guide the studies planned for their needs. Due to the fact that the subject is related to the pandemic, the years covered by the literature review were limited to 2019 and later. As a result of the literature review; 2 studies conducted in Turkey and 5 studies conducted abroad, examining the effects of COVID-19 on infertile couples, were included. Majority of studies revealed that suspending fertility treatments caused high levels of anxiety and stress in infertile couples. Providing psychological counseling services to couples through online platforms by health professionals is thought to enable couples to cope better with the situation.