Preconception carrier screening in couples seeking IVF: exploring the patient perspective

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Genetic Counseling
• Infertility Treatment

Background:

• Preconception carrier screening (PCS) is crucial for informed reproductive decisions.
• Couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) represent a key demographic for PCS.
• Understanding patient perspectives is vital for effective implementation of PCS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the understanding of preconception carrier screening (PCS).
• To evaluate attitudes and considerations regarding PCS among couples pursuing IVF/ICSI.
• To identify factors influencing the uptake of PCS in assisted reproductive technology (ART) settings.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining interviews and questionnaires.
• Interviews with 16 partners from 9 couples undergoing initial IVF/ICSI consultations.
• Questionnaire survey completed by 115 participants undergoing IVF/ICSI.

Main Results:

• Over half of participants expressed willingness to undergo PCS if available.
• Key motivators for PCS included informed reproductive decision-making.
• Concerns involved potential treatment delays, reproductive dilemmas, and misconceptions about PCS utility in fertility treatment.

Conclusions:

• Generally positive attitudes towards PCS exist among couples seeking IVF/ICSI.
• Misconceptions about PCS and concerns regarding treatment delays require attention.
• Personalized information and counseling are essential for couples considering PCS within ART.