What question did this study set out to answer?

To explore access to reproductive health services for rheumatology teams across the UK and identify unmet needs.

April 30, 2026

P050 Mapping reproductive services in UK rheumatology: unmet needs in menopause, fertility, and male reproductive health

Key Points

To explore access to reproductive health services for rheumatology teams across the UK and identify unmet needs.
Survey distributed to UK health professionals via Qualtrics
Participants included rheumatology consultants, resident doctors, specialist nurses
Access to services for managing rheumatic diseases during pregnancy assessed
68 responses received, majority were consultants and resident doctors
60% reported access to specialist pregnancy services
Only 18% had access to menopause and HRT services
23% aware of local male reproductive health services
Majority want upskilling in menopause and fertility preservation

Abstract

Abstract Background/Aims Rheumatic diseases and the treatments used to manage them influence reproductive health. We explored how access to specialist reproductive health services and advice differs for rheumatology teams across the UK. Methods A survey was developed and distributed using Qualtrics survey software. UK health professionals (e.g., consultants, residents, specialist nurses) were invited to participate via email, social media, and the British Society for Rheumatology newsletter. Results We received 68 responses between July and September 2025. Most respondents were consultants (33%), resident doctors (ST3+, 36%), or specialist nurses (29%) and based in England (59%, 38% unknown location). Most respondents worked at a tertiary centre (60%) and most had access to a specialist service for managing rheumatic disease during pregnancy (60% at their own hospital, 16% at another site). These services included joint obstetric-rheumatology clinics (75%), general obstetric medicine clinics (63%), as well as MDTs (38%) and standardised care pathways/shared guidelines between rheumatology and obstetrics (29%). However, access to specialist services for rheumatology patients were sparse for menopause and advice on hormone replacement therapy (18%). When it came to male reproductive health, only 23% of respondents were aware of accessible local services (e.g., preconception counselling, fertility preservation prior to cytotoxic therapy). The most highly rated areas to prioritise for development within local services were “staff training to upskill in reproductive health in the general rheumatology clinic” (selected by 62%), “menopause/HRT management for patients with rheumatic disease” (selected by 38%), and “access to fertility preservation Speakers fees for a talk on pregnancy Honoraria from MGP as a coauthor on an educational review article in 2020 and speaker fees from UCB. Grants/research support; Unrestricted research grants from Union Chimique Belge (UCB).

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