Longitudinal study of family formation in 892 women and 193 men 8 years after visiting the Fertility Assessment and Counselling (FAC) clinic

Abstract

Introduction

Globally, in high-income countries, couples have been delaying family building. However, postponed childbearing implies a higher risk of declining fertility, not achieving desired family size and ultimately involuntary childlessness. The Fertility Assessment and Counseling (FAC) clinic was established to provide information about individuals' current fertility status, aiming to prevent infertility and support the realization of desired family sizes. The aim is to explore the reproductive outcomes and health behaviors 8 years after attending fertility assessment and counseling in the FAC clinic.

Material and Methods

Cohort study including women and men who attended the FAC clinic in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 2011 to 2017. From June 2011 until July 2017 2635 women and 1073 men attended fertility counseling at the FAC clinic. Eight years later, an electronic questionnaire was distributed to collect information on subsequent pregnancies and deliveries.

Results

The follow-up questionnaire had a response rate of 34% (n = 892) for women and 18% for men (n = 193). The mean age for the subgroup of 892 women who responded at 8 years follow-up was 32.6 (±SD 4.4) years at baseline which was equal to the total cohort of 2635 women at baseline (32.7 (±SD 4.7) years). Most of the women (75%) and men (96%) were in a heterosexual relationship at follow-up. A total of 85% of the 892 women had conceived after the baseline FAC visit. Among those having conceived, the mean number of pregnancies was 2.10 per woman (±SD 1.1). In total, 703 (79%) of the 892 women had delivered at least one child. Among women having delivered, the average number of children was 2.0 (±SD 0.6). Among the men, 91% had conceived with their partner. Women and men were smoking less and drinking less alcohol at the follow-up compared to the baseline visit.

Conclusions

This follow-up study emphasizes the importance of fertility assessment and counseling for women and couples during reproductive age, a critical period when decisions about family building are made.