Impact of a Medical Career on Reproductive Planning and Knowledge of Assisted Reproductive Technology Among Brazilian Women.

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether women in the medical field have different reproductive plans compared to women in other areas of higher education. Also, to assess their knowledge of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and their interest in oocyte cryopreservation.

Methods: This cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted using an anonymous online questionnaire administered between November and December 2024. The study included Brazilian women who were nulliparous, had higher education, and were divided into two groups: the study group (medical students and physicians) and the comparison group (women from other higher education fields). The questionnaire covered sociodemographic data, lifestyle habits, professional trajectories, affective relationships, reproductive intentions, and knowledge about ART.

Results: A total of 905 women were included. The groups they were divided into had a similar age distribution. Most participants were aged between 18 and 29 years. The study group (n=490) reported higher income, greater levels of physical activity, and less smoking (p<0.0001). The impact of workload on relationship quality, academic plans, partner preferences, and perceived professional impact was more significant in the study group compared with controls (p<0.0001). They more frequently cited the demands of the medical profession as detrimental to their relationships. A higher proportion of women in this group planned to conceive later in life (61.8% vs. 34.1%; p<0.0001). Knowledge and acceptance of ART, especially oocyte cryopreservation, were significantly higher, with over 58% considering future use.

Conclusions: A medical career greatly affects women's reproductive choices, resulting in delayed motherhood despite strong reproductive desires. Providing early access to fertility education and ART options could be a strategy to promote reproductive autonomy among women in medicine.