Friendly IVF: patient opinions.
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.
Højgaard
A
A
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
Ingerslev
H J
HJ
Dinesen
J
J
D002996:Clomiphene / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro / Q000379:methods*; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008596:Menotropins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D009865:Oocytes; D010146:Pain; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013396:Suction; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002996:Clomiphene; D007987:Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; D008596:Menotropins; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone