Reproductive Experiences, Family Planning, and Workplace Factors Among Female Physicians at a Tertiary Academic Center

Background: This paper describes the reproductive health issues and the perspectives of female physicians at a tertiary academic hospital. Methods: An online survey was emailed in April 2026 to physicians employed at University of Iowa Health Care. Results: The response rate was 18.1% (73/403) of female residents/fellows and 26.2% (146/558) of female faculty. The median age of first marriage of female faculty who were married was 28 years (IQR 26–31), and 27 years (interquartile range, IQR 25–28) for female residents/fellows. The median age at the time of having their first child was 32 (IQR 30–34). By age 45, 11% had no children. The C-section rate was 33%, and 9.8% gave birth to a preterm infant. Six-point five percent of female physicians reported freezing eggs or embryos at a median age of 33 years (IQR 30–36). Five-point seven percent of female physicians >30 years of age used in vitro fertilization, and 42% thought maternity leave should be 6 months and 7.7% thought it should be 12 months. Thirty-one percent were taking medications for mental health conditions. Conclusions: In this female physician population survey, delayed childbearing, mental health medication use, and utilization of assisted reproductive technologies may reflect the impact that medical training and career demands have on reproductive health. These findings reinforce the need for institutional strategies and policies that better support female physicians across their careers.