The effect of relaxation therapy treatment on cycle outcome as measured by pregnancy rates

Abstract

ObjectiveThe physical and spiritual well-being of patients is a major contributor to a successful assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle. In fact, studies have strongly suggested that patients who participated in mind/body relaxation programs experienced reduced stress and anxiety levels, as well as increased pregnancy rates. The purpose of this study was to determine whether relaxation therapy treatment prior to embryo transfer (ET) had an effect on cycle outcome as measured by clinical pregnancy rate.DesignA retrospective study in a private ART center.Materials and methodsAll fresh and frozen cycles between November 21, 2003 and February 18, 2004 resulting in ET (n=199) were included in this study. An experienced holistic health practitioner was hired to provide relaxation therapy treatments to patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Sessions consisted of touch-massage and meditation with candles and soothing music. During the hours that the practitioner was available, patients were offered the option of receiving a complementary relaxation therapy treatment immediately prior to ET. Treatments lasted from ten to thirty minutes, depending on the needs and desires of the patient. Immediately following treatment, the patient was prepared for embryo transfer. All ET were performed by a single physician.ResultsResults are summarized in the following table:Conclusion ObjectiveThe physical and spiritual well-being of patients is a major contributor to a successful assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle. In fact, studies have strongly suggested that patients who participated in mind/body relaxation programs experienced reduced stress and anxiety levels, as well as increased pregnancy rates. The purpose of this study was to determine whether relaxation therapy treatment prior to embryo transfer (ET) had an effect on cycle outcome as measured by clinical pregnancy rate. The physical and spiritual well-being of patients is a major contributor to a successful assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycle. In fact, studies have strongly suggested that patients who participated in mind/body relaxation programs experienced reduced stress and anxiety levels, as well as increased pregnancy rates. The purpose of this study was to determine whether relaxation therapy treatment prior to embryo transfer (ET) had an effect on cycle outcome as measured by clinical pregnancy rate. DesignA retrospective study in a private ART center. A retrospective study in a private ART center. Materials and methodsAll fresh and frozen cycles between November 21, 2003 and February 18, 2004 resulting in ET (n=199) were included in this study. An experienced holistic health practitioner was hired to provide relaxation therapy treatments to patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Sessions consisted of touch-massage and meditation with candles and soothing music. During the hours that the practitioner was available, patients were offered the option of receiving a complementary relaxation therapy treatment immediately prior to ET. Treatments lasted from ten to thirty minutes, depending on the needs and desires of the patient. Immediately following treatment, the patient was prepared for embryo transfer. All ET were performed by a single physician. All fresh and frozen cycles between November 21, 2003 and February 18, 2004 resulting in ET (n=199) were included in this study. An experienced holistic health practitioner was hired to provide relaxation therapy treatments to patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Sessions consisted of touch-massage and meditation with candles and soothing music. During the hours that the practitioner was available, patients were offered the option of receiving a complementary relaxation therapy treatment immediately prior to ET. Treatments lasted from ten to thirty minutes, depending on the needs and desires of the patient. Immediately following treatment, the patient was prepared for embryo transfer. All ET were performed by a single physician. ResultsResults are summarized in the following table: Results are summarized in the following table: Conclusion