Socioeconomic status and fertility treatment outcomes in high-income countries: a review of the current literature

Abstract

The association between socioeconomic status and fertility is a subject that has received much attention. Yet, little is known as to whether the socioeconomic status has an impact on the outcomes of fertility treatment. This systematic review aims to assess any possible relationship between socioeconomic deprivation and treatment outcomes. A database search was conducted of all publications in this field up to March 2021. Eleven studies were identified and six of these specifically investigated the impact of socioeconomic status on fertility treatment outcomes. Children conceived following assisted conception are more likely to be born to mothers of a higher socioeconomic status than those conceived naturally. Of the few studies investigating the impact of socioeconomic status on fertility treatment outcomes and the results are conflicting, making it difficult to draw robust conclusions as to its effect. It is unknown which, if any, marker of socioeconomic status is the most significant for fertility patients: whether it is the characteristics of the individual or that of their surroundings. Further research is urgently needed.

Keywords: IVF; Socioeconomic; education; fertility treatment; income; pregnancy outcomes.