Factors affecting patients' attitudes toward single- and multiple-embryo transfer.
OBJECTIVE
To identify factors that influence patient decision making concerning embryo transfer.


METHODS
Prospective analysis.


METHODS
In vitro fertilization unit at a tertiary-care, university-affiliated teaching hospital.


METHODS
Seventy-nine women and 53 men who were referred consecutively for IVF treatment.


METHODS
Provision of risk information about complications of twin pregnancy.


METHODS
Rated desirability of different transfer options and twin pregnancy, together with standardized measures of depression and infertility stress.


RESULTS
Women's initial preference for two-embryo transfer (2ET) was related to beliefs that the chance of pregnancy was higher with 2ET vs. elective single-embryo transfer and that the personal chance of twins was relatively likely with 2ET but was not related to a specific desire for twins. Providing risk information increased the desirability of elective single-embryo transfer and decreased the desirability of twin pregnancy among both men and women.


CONCLUSIONS
Cautious patients, preferring transfer of fewer embryos, balance desires to maximize the chance of pregnancy with acceptance of risks associated with twins. Less-cautious patients may be motivated by beliefs about the influence of age, desires for, and likelihood of twin pregnancy. Information about risks may affect these groups differently and diverse patient motivations may require tailored information to ensure informed consent.
Newton
Christopher R
CR
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada. christopher.newton@lhsc.on.ca <christopher.newton@lhsc.on.ca>
McBride
Joanna
J
Feyles
Valter
V
Tekpetey
Francis
F
Power
Stephen
S
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007246:Infertility / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario / Q000453:epidemiology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors