Beyond the basics: Why every fertility professional needs eating disorder training

When it comes to fertility care, the physical or logistical aspects of the treatment journey are often the central focus. However, it is essential to recognise that fertility care is not just about the physical processes; it also involves considering and addressing the emotional and psychological challenges of those involved, including the heightened risk of eating disorders.

Research shows that people seeking fertility treatment are at a significantly higher risk of developing body image issues, disordered eating and eating disorders. With these risks in mind, it is becoming increasingly clear that fertility professionals need targeted training to ensure they are equipped to identify and support patients who may be struggling with these challenges.

The link between eating disorders and fertility

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that affect a person’s relationship with food, body image, and weight. They have physical and psychological impacts and can lead to long-term consequences and impacts on a person’s life. For individuals going through fertility treatment, the emotional and physical stress of infertility can be a trigger for body image issues and unhealthy eating behaviours.

Studies show that nearly half of women facing infertility report struggling with body image concerns, and the prevalence of disordered eating in fertility patients is alarming - up to 48% (1). This is a far higher rate than the general population in which 8.4% of women and 2.2% of men are estimated to experience an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime (2). Women with reproductive health conditions like Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis also face disproportionately high rates of body image issues and eating disorders. Despite these statistics, many women are reluctant to share their history of eating disorders with their fertility care providers, leaving healthcare teams unaware of an issue that could potentially affect the safety and success of treatment.

Why is eating disorder training so important for fertility professionals?

Fertility care is a deeply emotional process. The pressures of treatment on relationships, finances, and relationships, potential unsuccessful cycles, and the physical changes associated with infertility can lead to anxiety, frustration, and feelings of loss of control. For those already vulnerable to disordered eating, these stresses can be overwhelming and may trigger or worsen unhealthy eating behaviours.

This is why it is so important for fertility professionals to possess the skills to recognise and address eating disorders. Understanding the psychological and physical risks of eating disorders in the context of fertility care is key to providing safe, informed, and accessible care.

Fertility professionals, including obstetricians, gynaecologists, dietitians, nurses, mental health professionals, and other specialists, are often in the position to identify potential signs of disordered eating early. However, without the right training, it can be difficult to spot these issues or know how to approach the conversation. This is where targeted eating disorder training becomes invaluable.

What does eating disorder training involve?

NEDC offers a free eLearning course designed specifically for those practitioners providing treatment and support to those going through fertility treatment Eating Disorder Core Skills: eLearning for Fertility Care Professionals. This comprehensive 90-minute self-paced training equips professionals with the tools to identify the signs of eating disorders, understand the impact of disordered eating on fertility, and learn the best approaches for addressing these issues in a supportive and non-judgemental way.

The training also includes practical strategies for shared care in a stepped system, ensuring that individuals with eating disorders receive the right level of support at the right time. This can be particularly important for patients who may not feel comfortable disclosing their struggles but would benefit from a professional who understands how eating disorders intersect with fertility care. Eating Disorder Core Skills: eLearning for Fertility Care Professionals includes five modules which align with the NEDC Workforce Core Competencies and National Framework for Eating Disorders Training, the ANZAED clinical practice and training standards, and the stepped system of care for eating disorders.

The Modules

The five modules include:

Module 1: Early Identification (Part 1) covers an introduction to eating disorder diagnoses, their prevalence and impact.

Module 2: Early Identification (Part 2) focuses on the knowledge and skills needed by a health professional to effectively recognise when a person may be experiencing an eating disorder, including the risk factors and warning signs.

Module 3: Initial Response covers the knowledge and skills needed by a health professional to effectively engage and respond when a person may be experiencing an eating disorder.

Module 4: Shared Care focuses on the knowledge needed by a fertility care health professional to provide shared care and support a person towards recovery.

Module 5: Prevention and Harm Reduction covers eating disorder prevention and harm minimisation and will explore the implications and considerations applicable to fertility care providers.

Eating Disorder Core Skills: eLearning for Fertility Care Professionals is accredited, endorsed or approved by the following professional bodies:

Approved for Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) CPD 2023, EA: 1.50

Approved by Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Endorsed by Australian College of Mental Health Nurses (ACMHN)

Endorsed by Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi)

Accredited by Naturopaths & Herbalists Association of Australia (NHAA) as 1.5 hours of CPD (formal learning - other activities)

Approved by Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)

Taking action

If you are a fertility care provider, gaining knowledge in this area is not just beneficial - it's essential.

By completing the Eating Disorder Core Skills: eLearning for Fertility Care Professionals, you will be equipped to make a real difference in your patients' care, helping to identify risks early and provide compassionate, evidence-based support. Click to access the training today and support every journey.

References

1. Hecht LM, Hadwiger A, Patel S, Hecht BR, Loree A, Ahmedani BK, Miller-Matero LR. Disordered eating and eating disorders among women seeking fertility treatment: A systematic review. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2022 Feb;25(1):21-32. 

2. Galmiche M, Dechelotte P, Lambert G, Tavolacci MP. Prevelance of eating disorders over the 2000/2018 period: a systematic literature review. Am J Clin Nutr. 2019;109(5):1402-13.