A Højgaard1, H J Ingerslev, J Dinesen. 1. Fertility Clinic and Perinatal Epidemiological Research Unit, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Skejby Sygehus, DK-8200 Aarhus, Denmark. astrid.hoejgaard@dadlnet.dk
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The present trend towards low stimulation protocols in IVF calls for evaluation of patient attitudes. METHODS: This study compared results of a 23-item questionnaire mailed to 167 patients receiving a low stimulation type of regimen (LS-IVF) (unstimulated cycle or clomiphene) and to 116 patients treated by astandard protocol (S-IVF) (long-down regulation with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue and FSH or human menopausal gonadotrophin). RESULTS: Around two-thirds of all responders in both groups deemed side-effects important, but side-effects and stress associated with hormone treatment were more prevalent in patients receiving S-IVF than LS-IVF. Stress due to cycle cancellation was acceptable, mild or not perceptible in significantly (P < 0.005) more patients receiving LS-IVF [48% (36/75)] compared with patients having S-IVF [26% (8/31)]. Of patients having tried the LS-IVF protocol, 93% (125/135) would suggest either LS-IVF or a sequence of this and S-IVF as a future treatment "package" compared with only 53% (33/63) in the S-IVF group (chi(2) = 43.08, P < 0.0001). The LS-IVF group showed a significant trend towards acceptance of higher number of treatment cycles. CONCLUSIONS: The patients seemed to prefer the simplicity and short duration of a low stimulation regimen in spite of drawbacks such as a high risk of cycle cancellations and accordingly the necessity for more treatment cycles.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: The present trend towards low stimulation protocols in IVF calls for evaluation of patient attitudes. METHODS: This study compared results of a 23-item questionnaire mailed to 167 patients receiving a low stimulation type of regimen (LS-IVF) (unstimulated cycle or clomiphene) and to 116 patients treated by a standard protocol (S-IVF) (long-down regulation with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogue and FSH or human menopausal gonadotrophin). RESULTS: Around two-thirds of all responders in both groups deemed side-effects important, but side-effects and stress associated with hormone treatment were more prevalent in patients receiving S-IVF than LS-IVF. Stress due to cycle cancellation was acceptable, mild or not perceptible in significantly (P < 0.005) more patients receiving LS-IVF [48% (36/75)] compared with patients having S-IVF [26% (8/31)]. Of patients having tried the LS-IVF protocol, 93% (125/135) would suggest either LS-IVF or a sequence of this and S-IVF as a future treatment "package" compared with only 53% (33/63) in the S-IVF group (chi(2) = 43.08, P < 0.0001). The LS-IVF group showed a significant trend towards acceptance of higher number of treatment cycles. CONCLUSIONS: The patients seemed to prefer the simplicity and short duration of a low stimulation regimen in spite of drawbacks such as a high risk of cycle cancellations and accordingly the necessity for more treatment cycles.
Authors: D de Jong; M J C Eijkemans; N G M Beckers; R V Pruijsten; B C J M Fauser; N S Macklon Journal: J Assist Reprod Genet Date: 2002-12 Impact factor: 3.412