The impact and consequences of the restrictive measures following the COVID-19 outbreak for fertility patients and patients with endometriosis in the Netherlands.

Objective A questionnaire was used to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic with the temporarily changed care provision on fertility and endometriosis patients. Results The study showed that fertility patients, endometriosis patients and their care providers found telephone and video consultations to replace regular physical consultations a good alternative during the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they did not consider it a good replacement for physical consultations in the future. Fertility patients experienced an increase in stress due to the temporary suspension of their treatment, and their quality of life was also lower than in a reference population from the past. Previous research has shown that stress levels can be negatively influenced by a feeling of helplessness, reduced control and support. A smaller increase in stress was reported in endometriosis patients. We advise care providers to be alert to an increase in stress, especially in fertility patients, and to pay attention to providing information.