A Phenomenological Study on Ovarian Reserve Health Risk Experiences, Fertility Difficulties, and Support Needs among Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Pediatric Nurses

Abstract

Objective: To explore the lived experiences of ovarian reserve health risks, fertility difficulties, and support needs among obstetric, gynecologic, and pediatric nurses. Methods: A descriptive phenomenological approach was adopted. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with nine nurses from obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, reproductive medicine, and delivery room departments at a tertiary hospital in China. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step method, with sample size determined by data saturation. Results: Four core themes emerged: (1) Health risk awareness originated from high occupational exposure, while delayed childbearing was impeded by multiple barriers including economic constraints, career demands, relationship challenges, and work intensity; (2) Health risks and uncertainty triggered stratified negative emotions and differential fertility confidence; (3) Structural conflicts existed between occupational demands and reproductive health maintenance, with individual coping being passive and limited; (4) Organizational support gaps were pronounced, with strong demands for fertility-friendly institutional support. Conclusions: Ovarian reserve health anxiety among obstetric, gynecologic, and pediatric nurses primarily stemmed from high clinical exposure and occupational stress, with emotions and fertility experiences exhibiting stratified characteristics. Night shifts, occupational exposures, promotion-related involution, and fertility needs were difficult to reconcile. Hospitals should urgently implement supportive measures, including reduced night shifts, free ovarian function screening, optimized occupational protection protocols, and promotion policy adjustments favoring reproductive health.