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An assessment of oncofertility content on reproductive endocrinology and infertility clinic websites

  • Fertility Preservation
  • Published:
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

To assess oncofertility content on fertility clinic websites as indicated by eight relevant keywords. Additionally, we sought to describe the relationship between oncofertility content and five predetermined clinic characteristics.

Methods

We examined 381 fertility clinic websites that are members of the Society for Associated Reproductive Technology (SART). Extracted data included clinic location, practice type (private vs academic), size (cycles/year), type of NCI designated center (cancer center vs comprehensive cancer center), and distance from the nearest NCI center. Additionally, we documented whether the clinic was located in a state mandating reproductive and infertility services and/or included fertility preservation for “iatrogenic infertility” as reported by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and compared using chi-squared or t-test as appropriate.

Results

Of the 381 fertility clinic websites analyzed, 322 (85%) contained at least one oncofertility-related keyword. Most frequently used terms included cancer (79%) and fertility preservation (78%), while less frequently used terms included suppression (9.4%) and shielding (5.0%). Practices that initiated ≥ 501 cycles per year were more likely to mention one of the oncofertility keywords (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.1–1.3). The associations of oncofertility website content with practice type, state-mandated fertility insurance coverage, and distance from an NCI-designated cancer center were not statistically significant. Large clinic size was the only predictive factor for inclusion of oncofertility website content. Further studies are required to evaluate whether inclusion of oncofertility content on clinic websites impacts the use of these services by patients with cancer.

Conclusion

This is the first study correlating availability of oncofertility content on SART fertility clinic websites with consideration of geographic proximity to NCI designated cancer centers. Large clinic size was the only predictive factor for inclusion of oncofertility website content.

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Data availability

All authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest or non-financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Rebecca J. Mercier, MD, MPH (Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals) for assistance in conceptualizing methodology and Brandie Plasencia RN, BSN (Stanford Hospitals and Clinics) for review and revision of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 833 Chestnut Street, 1st Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA

    Vaidehi Mujumdar

  2. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NYC Health and Hospitals, 82-86 164 St, New York, NY, 11432, USA

    Vaidehi Mujumdar

  3. Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, 1025 Walnut St #100, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA

    Kavya Shivashankar & Rachel Madding

  4. Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1305 York Ave, New York, NY, 10021, USA

    Ariel T. Levy

  5. Gynecology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, New York, NY, 10065, USA

    Sushmita Gordhandas

  6. Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, 925 Chestnut Street, Suite 320A, Philadelphia, PA, 19017, USA

    Norman G. Rosenblum & Scott Richard

  7. Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford Hospital and Clinics, 1195 W. Fremont Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA, 94087, USA

    Brent Monseur

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  1. Vaidehi Mujumdar
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  2. Kavya Shivashankar
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  3. Rachel Madding
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Contributions

All authors made substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data; or revised the manuscript critically for important intellectual content.

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Correspondence to Vaidehi Mujumdar.

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Mujumdar, V., Shivashankar, K., Madding, R. et al. An assessment of oncofertility content on reproductive endocrinology and infertility clinic websites. J Assist Reprod Genet 39, 957–962 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-022-02442-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-022-02442-y

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