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Clin Colon Rectal Surg 2023; 36(05): 327-332
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1764240
Review Article

Fertility and Pregnancy: How Do These Affect Family Planning and Surgeon Health?

Amalia J. Stefanou
1   Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida
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Abstract

There are unique considerations to fertility and pregnancy for women surgeons. Women surgeons often decide to delay pregnancy and childbearing due to concerns of conflict with work and training. This is particularly true for surgical trainees who face many obstacles, including bias from peers and program directors, and work–life conflict. As such, rates of infertility are higher compared with the general population. Women surgeons require assisted reproductive technologies more often than the general population. During pregnancy, there are also additional occupational hazards that are unique to a surgical career. Overall, we must be aware of these issues to support surgeons who decide to become parents during a surgical career.

Keywords

pregnancy - infertility - women surgeons - surgical residents


Publication History

Article published online:
08 March 2023

© 2023. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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