Cutting-Edge Challenges: How Work Stress and Age Affect Fertility and Pregnancy in Female Surgeons

Abstract

Rahma Idrees, Manahil Mubeen and Ayesha Irfan

In the modern world, due to pregnancy-related stigma, unmodified work schedules throughout pregnancy, short maternity leave options, and little support for postpartum childcare and breastfeeding requirements, female surgeons often delay starting a family until after training. This can result in an increased risk of infertility and pregnancy complications, especially as female surgeons spend their prime fertile years focused on their medical education and career. Additionally, female surgeons are more prone to stress and burnout, which can affect fertility. Offering extensive maternity leave and incentives, hiring more medical professionals to share the workload, and conducting informational sessions on the potential risks of delaying pregnancy could help address these challenges.

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