Alberto Revelli1, Alessandra Razzano2, Luisa Delle Piane2, Simona Casano2, Chiara Benedetto2. 1. Gynecology and Obstetrics I, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Gynecological and Obstetrical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Torino, Turin, Italy. alberto.revelli@unito.it. 2. Gynecology and Obstetrics I, Physiopathology of Reproduction and IVF Unit, Department of Gynecological and Obstetrical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to ascertain the awareness of hospital gynecologists about the effects of woman's age on spontaneous fecundity and on the efficacy of assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs). METHODS: One hundred fifty-six gynecologists working in public or private Italian hospitals, without specific experience in reproductive medicine and ART, were administered a multiple-choice answer questionnaire addressing (a) the effect of age on woman's spontaneous fecundity, (b) the tools to estimate the ovarian follicular reserve, and (c) the outcome of ART in women above 40 years. RESULTS: Approximately half of the interviewed gynecologists indicated the woman's age limit for successful reproduction between 44 and 50 years; fertility lifespan was believed to be prolonged by oral contraception, pro-fertility medical treatments, or ART. The correct meaning of serum FSH measurement was known by approximately one third of the interviewed doctors. The effectiveness of ART for women of advanced age was overestimated by half of the gynecologists, especially in case of patients having regular cycles and/or small follicles at ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the survey clearly showed that the knowledge of hospital gynecologists about the effects of age on woman's fertility and ART effectiveness is largely insufficient to offer scientifically correct, helpful information to patients. Properly targeted corrections to academic and periodical educational programs for Ob/Gyn specialists are warranted.
PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to ascertain the awareness of hospital gynecologists about the effects of woman's age on spontaneous fecundity and on the efficacy of assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs). METHODS: One hundred fifty-six gynecologists working in public or private Italian hospitals, without specific experience in reproductive medicine and ART, were administered a multiple-choice answer questionnaire addressing (a) the effect of age on woman's spontaneous fecundity, (b) the tools to estimate the ovarian follicular reserve, and (c) the outcome of ART in women above 40 years. RESULTS: Approximately half of the interviewed gynecologists indicated the woman's age limit for successful reproduction between 44 and 50 years; fertility lifespan was believed to be prolonged by oral contraception, pro-fertility medical treatments, or ART. The correct meaning of serum FSH measurement was known by approximately one third of the interviewed doctors. The effectiveness of ART for women of advanced age was overestimated by half of the gynecologists, especially in case of patients having regular cycles and/or small follicles at ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the survey clearly showed that the knowledge of hospital gynecologists about the effects of age on woman's fertility and ART effectiveness is largely insufficient to offer scientifically correct, helpful information to patients. Properly targeted corrections to academic and periodical educational programs for Ob/Gyn specialists are warranted.
Authors: Sandro C Esteves; Hakan Yarali; Lan N Vuong; José F Carvalho; İrem Y Özbek; Mehtap Polat; Ho L Le; Toan D Pham; Tuong M Ho; Peter Humaidan; Carlo Alviggi Journal: Hum Reprod Date: 2021-07-19 Impact factor: 6.918
Authors: Sandro C Esteves; Hakan Yarali; Lan N Vuong; José F Carvalho; İrem Y Özbek; Mehtap Polat; Ho L Le; Toan D Pham; Tuong M Ho Journal: Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) Date: 2021-03-12 Impact factor: 5.555