The experience of female oncological patients and fertility preservation: A phenomenology study.

Data de publicació: 10/11/2022 Data Ahead of Print: 01/11/2022

Autors de IIS La Fe

• José María Rubio Rubio

  Autor

Autors aliens a IIS La Fe

• del Valle, Lara
• Corchon, Silvia
• Palop, Josefa
• Celda, Luis

Grups d'Investigació

• Medicina Reproductiva

  

  Investigador Principal

  José Morales Roselló

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study is to analyse the experience of fertility preservation among female oncological patients. Methods A phenomenological study was conducted in an Assisted Human Reproduction Unit. The sample was composed of 14 females of reproductive age diagnosed with a cancer that may affect reproductive function, who had undergone a fertility preservation procedure. In-depth interviews were carried out, and the transcripts were entred into the Atlas.ti.v.8.2.3 qualitative analysis software package. The steps proposed by Taylor-Bogdan were followed in the analysis of the data. Results Four thematic categories emerged in relation to the experience with the fertility preservation process: interruption of life plans and changes in the person; knowledge about fertility preservation options, reproductive capacity and impact because of the possible loss; dyadic relationshipsand social representations of fertility. Conclusions Patients suffer from difficulties when making decisions about fertility whilst dealing with a cancer diagnosis. They need adequate information and support from health professionals. Despite increasing awareness of fertility preservation, there is a lack of knowledge regarding patients' experiences and needs related to this process.

© 2022 The Authors. European Journal of Cancer Care published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Keywords

• cancer; experiences; female; fertility preservation; phenomenology; qualitative research