Barriers for pregnancy and perceptions of gender discrimination of urologists in training in France: Results of a national survey

Abstract

Introduction: Gender discrimination seems more prevalent in surgery than other medical specialties. In addition, female urologists are more likely to have obstetric complications and to be discouraged from starting a family during training. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of perceived gender discrimination and barriers for pregnancy during fellowship, among French urology residents and fellows.

Material and methods: The French Association of Urologists in Training performed a national online survey between August and September 2022. Participants were assured that their participation was anonymous. Respondents were questioned on demographics, gender discrimination and on pregnancy barriers during fellowship.

Results: In total, 153 members answered the questionnaire out of the 427 members of the association (36%), among which 75 women (49%). Thirty nine percent of the female respondents found that their gender was a barrier in their career advancement, versus 1% of the male (P<0.0001). Forty female respondents (53%) perceived that female urologists earned less respect than their male counterparts versus 22% of the male (P<0.0001). Among the female respondents, 19 (25%) have felt that it would not be possible to become pregnant at the time they would have wanted it and 7 (9%) reported having already been threatened to lose a fellowship position in case of a pregnancy.

Conclusion: This survey found a high prevalence of gender discrimination among French urologists in training, perceived in majority by women. Female urologists perceived obstacles and received threats when wanting to become pregnant during their training.

Keywords: Discrimination liée au genre; Gender discrimination; Grossesse; Pregnancy.