Fertility Preservation and Treatment Coverage Among United States Plastic Surgery Trainees

Most plastic surgery trainees spend their fertile years in training, and many often delay childbearing due to the demands of residency. This study sought to assess the awareness and desire for fertility preservation in this cohort, and the institutional coverage of fertility services.

An American Council of Educators in Plastic Surgery-approved survey was distributed to plastic surgery trainees via email. The survey assessed respondents' current or future plans for childbearing, reasons for postponing childbearing, education of and attitude toward oocyte freezing, financial ability to pursue oocyte freezing, and perceived training program attitude toward childbearing.

A total of 118 responses were received. Of the respondents, 75.4% were women. A total of 66% reported feeling the need to postpone pregnancy due to residency, citing residency schedules being too demanding, limited parental leave, and concern for the availability of child care as the most commonly reported reasons for postponing childbearing. A total of 45.8% reported that they would consider freezing oocytes to preserve fertility, and another 16% identified as male but reported they would consider discussing oocyte freezing with a female partner. A total of 85.6% of respondents had not received education during training regarding fertility preservation. A total of 17.8% reported that fertility preservation was offered through the insurance provided by their training program, whereas 55.1% reported that they would pursue fertility preservation if covered.

Plastic surgery trainees often postpone having children due to the demands of their training. This delay increases the risk of infertility and pregnancy complications. Although fertility preservation would benefit this group, there is lack of education and access.