Receiving Fertility Treatment Research Articles

Families with children resulting from ART: psychosocial and financial implications.

STUDY QUESTIONWhat are the psychosocial and financial issues experienced among families with children 2–12 years of age conceived by ART?SUMMARY ANSWEROur results suggest that families with children, 2–12 years of age, conceived via ART are doing well, although impacts were identified on parents of twins and higher-order multiples.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYMultiple births have been associated with higher morbidity and mortality of children, as well as financial costs to families and society.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONThis study was an assessment of familial response to birth of singletons, twins and higher order multiples at child’s ages of 2–12.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSSemi-structured interviews and surveys were conducted with mothers (n = 348) and fathers (n = 338) of singletons, twins and higher-order multiple gestations who received fertility services.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCENo significant differences were observed between the groups in domains of primary caregiving or parental separation/divorce. Impacts were identified on parent’s ability to maintain employment. The revised 15-item scores of the Impact on Family Scale were significantly lower, reflecting more negative impacts, among families with twins (beta = −2.6, 95% confidence interval (CI), −4.7, −0.5, P = 0.014) and multiples (beta = −7.4, 95% CI, −10.4, −4.5, P < 0.001) than among families with singletons. Similarly, the Parenting Stress Index total scores were significantly lower among families with twins and multiples, indicating greater levels of stress, when compared to those with singletons. In addition, the Beck Depression Inventory total score were significantly higher for twins and multiples, and the Child Behaviour Checklist for ages 1.5–5 total problem score was significantly higher for twins when compared to singletons.LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTIONThe study was limited to families who received fertility treatment and constitutes a population that was well educated and had higher incomes. Additionally, interview data was self-reported.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)This work was supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH)/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) U10 HD39005 (to M.P.D.), U10 HD077680 (to K.R.H.), U10 HD077844 (to A.Z.), U10 HD077841 (to M.C.), U10 HD38992 (to R.S.L.), U10 HD27049 (to C.C.), U10 HD055925 (to H.Z.). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the NICHD or NIH.Dr Virginia Miller—no conflicts; Dr Michael P. Diamond—NIH Funding, AbbVie, Bayer and ObsEva Funding; Board of Directors and Stockholder for Advanced Reproductive Care; Dr Karl R. Hansen—Yale University/Reproductive Medicine Network/NICHD, Roche Diagnostics and Ferring International Pharmascience Center US funding; Dr Anne Steiner—NIH Funding; Dr Marcelle I. Cedars—no conflicts; Dr Richard Legro—consultant for Ogeda, Millendo, Kindex and Bayer; Ferring and Astra Zeneca funding; Dr Stephen A. Krawetz—no conflicts; Dr Christos Coutifaris—NIH Funding; Dr Hao Huang—no conflicts; Dr Nanette Santoro—no conflicts; Dr Heping Zhang—NIH Funding.TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERN/A

Fertility treatments and offspring pediatric infectious morbidities: results of a population-based cohort with a median follow-up of 10 years

To study the association between mode of conception and offspring infectious morbidity risk. Population-based cohort study. Regional university medical center. All singleton infants born between the years 1991 and 2014 and discharged alive from the hospital. Follow-up time in the study was calculated from birth to an event, defined as the first offspring hospitalization with any infectious morbidity. All infectious diagnoses were compared between the study groups, and a multivariable survival model was created to study the association between mode of conception and offspring pediatric hospitalization with infectious morbidity, and adjusting for confounding or clinically significant variables. First offspring pediatric hospitalization with infectious morbidity. During the study period, 242,187 newborns met the inclusion criteria: 2,603 (1.1%) of which were conceived after undergoing IVF, 1,172 (0.7%) after ovulation induction (OI), and 237,863 (98.3%) were conceived spontaneously. Mothers receiving fertility treatments were older and with higher rates of preterm births and low birthweights. The hospitalizations rates per 1,000 person years of follow-up were 16.34/1,000 person years, 11.61/1,000 person years, and 10.19/1,000 person years, among the IVF, OI, and spontaneously conceived offspring, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratios were 1.26 (95% confidence interval 1.13-1.42) and 1.14 (95% confidence interval 1.00-1.38), for the IVF and OI compared with the spontaneously conceived offspring, respectively. The model adjusted for preterm delivery, birthweight, maternal age, hypertension, diabetes, and cesarean section. Higher risk for infectious morbidity was found among offspring conceived after fertility treatments compared with spontaneously conceived offspring.

Intimate partner violence among postpartum women reporting prior fertility treatment

To determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) among women reporting use of fertility services compared to those who conceived spontaneously in a national sample of postpartum women. A cross-sectional population-based study using data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), which included women with recent live births between 2009-2016. Women self-reported use and type of fertility treatment as well as IPV before or during their most recent pregnancy. Weighted percentages for reported IPV were calculated and compared between women with and without a prior history of fertility treatment preceding their recent pregnancy. We adjusted for maternal age, maternal race/ethnicity, maternal education, marital status, pre-pregnancy BMI, number of stressors (e.g. homelessness) experienced in the preceding 12 months prior to delivery, tobacco use in the three months prior to pregnancy, pre-pregnancy health insurance, annual household income, number of prior live births, outcome of prior pregnancy (including preterm or low birth weight), birth plurality, outcome of most recent pregnancy (including NICU admission or neonatal death), breastfeeding status of most recent neonate. Using multivariate logistic regression, the adjusted odds of IPV as a function of fertility treatment status were calculated. Of the 37,114 women, 4,664 (12.6%) reported fertility treatment and 766 (2.1%) reported IPV. Of the women who reported use of fertility treatment, 59 (1.3%) reported IPV prior to or during their most recent pregnancy. Women who reported use of fertility treatment were less likely to endorse IPV as compared to women who did not report use of fertility treatment prior to their most recent pregnancy (p<0.0001). After adjustment, the odds of IPV were similar among women who received fertility treatment and those who did not (adjusted odds ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval 0.64-1.89). There was no difference in type of fertility treatment and IPV (including fertility-enhancing drugs, artificial or intrauterine insemination, assisted reproductive technology, or other medical treatment). Predictors of IPV within this population included age less than 20, greater number of reported stressors, tobacco use prior to pregnancy, and household annual income less than $52,000. Non-Hispanic White race/ethnicity and being married were protective against IPV. Despite the known adverse psychosocial implications of infertility, its treatment did not confer greater risk of IPV within this postpartum population. The difficulties associated with infertility, however, may have been mitigated by successful treatment but could be potentiated if unsuccessful. The preconception period, inclusive of encounters with infertility specialists, represents a unique opportunity to screen and counsel women, especially those who may be at higher risk for IPV.

Associations Between Natural Physiological and Supraphysiological Estradiol Levels and Stress Perception

Stress is a risk factor for impaired general, mental, and reproductive health. The role of physiological and supraphysiological estradiol concentrations in stress perception and stress processing is less well understood. We, therefore, conducted a prospective observational study to investigate the association between estradiol, stress perception, and stress-related cognitive performance within serial measurements either during the natural menstrual cycle or during fertility treatment, where estradiol levels are strongly above the physiological level of a natural cycle, and consequently, represent a good model to study dose-dependent effects of estradiol. Data from 44 women receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF) at the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology in Zurich, Switzerland was compared to data from 88 women with measurements during their natural menstrual cycle. The German version of the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) and the Cognitive Bias Test (CBT), in which cognitive performance is tested under time stress were used to evaluate subjective and functional aspects of stress. Estradiol levels were investigated at four different time points during the menstrual cycle and at two different time points during a fertility treatment. Cycle phases were associated with PSQ worry and cognitive bias in normally cycling women, but different phases of fertility treatment were not associated with subjectively perceived stress and stress-related cognitive bias. PSQ lack of joy and PSQ demands related to CBT in women receiving fertility treatment but not in women with a normal menstrual cycle. Only strong changes of the estradiol level during fertility treatment were weakly associated with CBT, but not with subjectively experienced stress. Our research emphasizes the multidimensional character of stress and the necessity to adjust stress research to the complex nature of stress perception and processing. Infertility is associated with an increased psychological burden in patients. However, not all phases of the process to overcome infertility do significantly increase patient stress levels. Also, research on the psychological burden of infertility should consider that stress may vary during the different phases of fertility treatment.Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov # NCT02098668.

National patterns of care and fertility outcomes for reproductive-aged women with endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia

Although it is uncommon, the incidence of endometrial cancer and atypical hyperplasia among reproductive-aged women is increasing. The fertility outcomes in this population are not well described. We aim to describe the patterns of care and fertility outcomes of reproductive-aged women with endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia. A cohort of women aged ≤45 years with endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia diagnosed in 2000 to 2014 were identified in Truven Marketscan, an insurance claims database of commercially insured patients in the United States. Treatment information, including use of progestin therapy, hysterectomy, and assisted fertility services, was identified and collected using a combination of Common Procedural Terminology codes, International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems codes, and National Drug Codes. Pregnancy events were identified from claims data using a similar technique. Patients were categorized as receiving progestin therapy alone, progestin therapy followed by hysterectomy, or standard surgical management with hysterectomy alone. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess factors associated with receiving fertility-sparing treatment. A total of 4007 reproductive-aged patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia were identified. The majority of these patients (n= 3189; 79.6%) received standard surgical management. Of the 818 patients treated initially with progestins, 397 (48.5%) subsequently underwent hysterectomy, whereas 421 (51.5%) did not. Patients treated with progestin therapy had a lower median age than those who received standard surgical management (median age, 36 vs 41 years; P < .001). The proportion of patients receiving progestin therapy increased significantly over the observation period, with 24.9% treated at least initially with progestin therapy in 2014 (P < .001). Multivariable analysis shows that younger age, a diagnosis of atypical hyperplasia diagnosis rather than endometrial cancer, and diagnosis later in the study period were all associated with a greater likelihood of receiving progestin therapy (P < .0001). Among the 421 patients who received progestin therapy alone, 92 patients (21.8%; 92/421) had 131 pregnancies, including 49 live births for a live birth rate of 11.6%. Among the 397 patients treated with progestin therapy followed by hysterectomy, 25 patients (6.3%; 25/397) had 34 pregnancies with 13 live births. The median age of patients who experienced a live birth following diagnosis during the study period was 36 years (interquartile range, 33-38). The use of some form of assisted fertility services was observed in 15.5% patients who were treated with progestin therapy. Among patients who experienced any pregnancy event following diagnosis, 54% of patients used some form of fertility treatment. For patients who experienced a live birth following diagnosis, 50% of patients received fertility treatment. Median time to live birth following diagnosis was 756 days (interquartile range, 525-1077). Patients treated with progestin therapy were more likely to experience a live birth if they had used assisted fertility services (odds ratio, 5.9; 95% confidence interval, 3.4-10.1; P < .0001). The number of patients who received fertility-sparing treatment for endometrial cancer or atypical hyperplasia increased over time. However, the proportion of women who experience a live birth following these diagnoses is relatively small.

Concerns about treatment for infertility in a probability-based sample of US women

ABSTRACTObjective: Many women experience infertility as distressing, but only about half of US women seek medical services. It is unknown whether concerns about fertility treatment are related to receiving fertility treatment or to distress levels.Methods: Using the nationally representative National Survey of Fertility Barriers, we constructed a nine-item scale measuring fertility treatment concerns. The analytical sample for this study included 1218 women who said that they were trying to become pregnant and who were asked questions regarding treatment concerns. We conducted multiple regression analysis to discover factors associated with treatment concerns and whether treatment concerns were associated with depressive symptoms and fertility-specific distress. We used logistic regression to determine whether treatment concerns were associated with receiving fertility tests.Results: Desiring a(nother) child, infertility stigma, higher family income, higher economic hardship and claiming a Hispanic identity were associated with higher levels of treatment concerns than those in the comparison groups. Having friends and family with children and having private health insurance were associated with lower levels of concern. Treatment concerns were not associated with receiving fertility tests. Higher levels of treatment concern were associated with higher levels of fertility-specific distress and depressive symptoms. Higher infertility stigma was related both directly and indirectly to higher levels of fertility-specific distress and depressive symptoms.Conclusion: For US women, fertility treatment concerns are not associated with whether women pursue fertility testing, but they are associated with higher levels of fertility-specific and general distress.

Human granulosa cells function as innate immune cells executing an inflammatory reaction during ovulation: a microarray analysis

Ovulation has been compared to a local inflammatory reaction. We performed an in silico study on a unique, PCR validated, transcriptome microarray study to evaluate if known inflammatory mechanisms operate during ovulation. The granulosa cells were obtained in paired samples at two different time points during ovulation (just before and 36 hours after ovulation induction) from nine women receiving fertility treatment. A total of 259 genes related to inflammation became significantly upregulated during ovulation (2–80 fold, p<0.05), while specific leukocyte markers were absent. The genes and pathway analysis indicated NF-KB-, MAPK- and JAK/STAT signalling (p<1.0E-10) as the major pathways involved in danger recognition and cytokine signalling to initiate inflammation. Upregulated genes further encoded enzymes in eicosanoid production, chemo-attractants, coagulation factors, cell proliferation factors involved in tissue repair, and anti-inflammatory factors to resolve the inflammation again. We conclude that granulosa cells, without involvement from the innate immune system, can orchestrate ovulation as a complete sterile inflammatory reaction.

Expanded genetic carrier screening in clinical practice: a current survey of patient impressions and attitudes.

Expanded genetic carrier screening (ECS) is an important part of gynecological practice and preconception planning. We evaluated the awareness and attitudes among women regarding ECS and factors that may influence decision-making in a family planning context. A 32-question survey in an academic university practice was given to 521 women who were either currently pregnant (n = 108), undergoing gynecologic care who were considering future fertility (n = 308), and considering or receiving fertility treatment (n = 105). Data are reported descriptively. Forty-seven percent (n = 246) of patients were aware of ECS. Though most reported feeling positive or neutral towards ECS, 51% (n = 263) reported no desire for testing. Fifty-eight percent (n = 303) felt it beneficial to know their carrier status, and 55% (n = 257) said it was their responsibility to undergo testing. Those considering future fertility were found to have a more positive attitude towards ECS (51.4%) than those considering or receiving fertility treatment (34%). For positive carriers of a genetic disorder, 228 (49%) of patients would proceed with having their partner screened, 58 (13%) would undergo prenatal screening only and 12 (2.6%) would continue with vitro fertilization (IVF). Related to cost for ECS, 53.5% (n = 191) would be willing to pay at least $50-100 for testing, while 29% (n = 146) would not pay anything out of pocket. Despite patients' beliefs that it would be beneficial and their responsibility to undergo carrier status testing, the majority reported no desire for ECS and many were unwilling to pay out of pocket. Further education is necessary to reconcile the gap between technology and patient decision-making.

Fertility treatment among women with asthma: a case–control study of 3689 women with live births

Asthma has been linked with prolonged time to pregnancy. Our aim was to explore a possible association between asthma and need for fertility treatment among women with live births.All women enrolled in the Management of Asthma during Pregnancy (MAP) programme at Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark were each matched with the next three consecutive women giving birth at Hvidovre Hospital. Information from the Danish National Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) registry was cross-linked with the Danish Medical Birth registry to identify live births. The primary outcome of interest was births following fertility treatment.Our sample comprised pregnancies from asthmatic mothers (n=932, described as "cases") and non-asthmatic mothers (n=2757, described as "controls"), with 12% (n=114) and 8% (n=212), respectively, having had fertility treatment (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.32-2.13; p<0.001). This association remained statistically significant after adjusting for confounders, including body mass index (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.00-1.70; p=0.047). In women ≥35 years, 25% of cases (n=63) and 13% of controls (n=82) received fertility treatment (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.47-3.07; p<0.001), which also remained statistically significant after adjusting for confounders (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.11-2.46; p=0.013).A higher proportion of the births from asthmatic mothers involved fertility treatment compared to non-asthmatic mothers, not least among women aged ≥35 years.

A Quality Improvement Initiative: Using Lean Methodology to Improve Efficiency of the Morning Cycle Monitoring at an Ambulatory Academic Fertility Clinic

Patients receiving fertility treatments require near-daily blood work and ultrasound for cycle monitoring. Patient volumes at an academic hospital-based ambulatory clinic were expected to increase with expanded provincial funding. The aim of this quality improvement project was for 85% of cycle monitoring patients to have a turnaround time (TAT) of 20 minutes or less from arrival until checkout. This is a time series study analyzed with statistical process control methodology. A baseline survey was conducted to understand patient priorities. Multiple site-specific change ideas were developed by front-line staff using lean methodology including standard processes, standard work, supportive tools, visual management, and staffing and scheduling to meet Takt time. Patient and staff satisfaction surveys were conducted after implementation (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2). With the start of funding in December 2015 the clinic accommodated a 17% increase in daily patient volumes and increased the proportion of patients receiving education at each visit from 50% to 100%. Despite increased patient volumes and added education time, the control chart showed special cause variation with decreased TATs from 38.2 to 34.7 minutes. Patient surveys showed that their priorities were being met or exceeded, and all staff reported increased satisfaction with the new process. By using lean methodology in an ambulatory fertility setting, the clinic was able to improve efficiency in the morning monitoring process to decrease patient TATs while accommodating increased patient volumes and improving the quality of patient care.

MNGI-09. FERTILITY TREATMENT AND MENINGIOMA INCIDENCE

Meningiomas are more common in females and 70–80% express the progesterone receptor. They have been reported after gender reassignment therapy, suggesting that high-dose exogenous estrogen/progesterone exposure, such as occurs during fertility treatments, may increase the risk of developing a meningioma. The goal of this study was to report the incidence of prior fertility treatment in a consecutive series of female patients presenting with meningioma. A retrospective review of patients presenting with meningioma from 2015–2018 was conducted. Female patients with prior fertility treatments were compared to those who did not receive fertility treatment using standard statistical methods. Of 206 female patients with meningioma, 26 (12.6%) had a history of fertility treatments. Patients underwent various forms of assisted reproductive technology including: in vitro fertilization (50.0%), clomiphene with or without intrauterine insemination (34.6%), and unspecified (3.8%). One patient (3.8%) received supplemental progesterone during her treatment. The most common presenting symptoms were incidental (57.7%) and headache (26.9%). Median follow up was 1.8 years. Tumors were WHO grade I (78.6%) or grade II (21.4%). Patients who underwent fertility treatments presented at significantly younger mean age compared to those who had not (51.8 vs 57.3 yrs, p = 0.0135, 2-tailed T-test) and were more likely to have multifocal (OR: 4.5, 95% CI: 1.4–14.8, p = 0.0196) and non-skull base meningiomas (OR: 4.4, 95% CI: 1.7–11.4, p = 0.0012). A history of fertility treatment is common in female patients presenting with meningioma. Patients with meningioma and a history of fertility treatment were more likely to present at a younger age and have multifocal and non-skull base tumors. These findings stress the importance of assessing for prior estrogen/progesterone exposure in patients presenting with meningioma. Future large prospective series and laboratory investigations are needed to determine the impact of fertility treatment on meningioma development.

Associations of environmental exposures to methylmercury and selenium with female infertility: A case–control study

BackgroundMethylmercury exposure is a common health risk resulting from daily fish intake. However, studies addressing the link between methylmercury and infertility are limited and also inconsistent. In addition, no previous epidemiological studies have accounted for the interaction between methylmercury and selenium. We aimed to investigate the association between environmental exposures to metals and female fertility. MethodsThis case-control study included 98 infertile women receiving fertility treatment (infertile group) and 43 female workers in their thirties (control group) who provided blood samples and returned a questionnaire on lifestyles and dietary characteristics. Blood levels of mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, manganese, zinc, and selenium were compared between the groups. Spearman correlation analyses between anti-Müllerian hormone and the metals were conducted. ResultsThe mean selenium level in blood (± SD) and the selenium/mercury molar ratio were significantly lower in the infertile group (189 ± 25 μg/L and 94.6 ± 44.3, respectively) than in the control group (200 ± 25 μg/L and 118.4 ± 70.5). By contrast, blood mercury levels after adjusting for blood selenium and age were significantly higher in the infertile group than in the control group. Multiple logistic regression analyses with the adjustment for the other metals and potential confounders confirmed significant associations of infertility with elevated mercury and reduced selenium levels. No significant correlations were observed between anti-Müllerian hormone and metals. ConclusionsMethylmercury and selenium exposures appear to have adverse and protective effects on female fertility, respectively. This is the first report to suggest the antagonistic interaction between methylmercury and selenium in relation to human female fertility.

Attachment and sexual functioning in women and men seeking fertility treatment

Objective: The purpose of the study was to examine the frequency of sexual difficulties and the associations among attachment insecurities (anxiety, avoidance) and sexual functioning (problems with sexual function, sexual dissatisfaction) in women and couples seeking fertility treatment.Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 88 Canadian women and 45 couples receiving fertility treatments completed self-reported measures of adult attachment and sexual functioning.Results: The frequency of problems in sexual function varied from 14.8% (pain) to 58.0% (desire) in women and from 6.7% (satisfaction with orgasm) to 28.9% (desire) in men. Among women, attachment-related avoidance predicted their low levels of sexual satisfaction (β = −0.30, p = .007) and sexual pain (β = 0.22, p = .044). Dyadic analyses revealed associations between men’s attachment-related anxiety and their difficulties in reaching erection (β = 0.30, p = .042) and orgasm (β = 0.33, p = .009). Anxiety in women was related to their lubrication difficulties (β = 0.44, p = .006). One partner effect was found: men’s avoidance was related to their partners’ difficulty in achieving orgasms (β = 0.39, p = .045).Conclusions: Results support the pertinence of attachment theory and the relevance of using dyadic designs to understand sexuality in couples seeking fertility treatment.

Mode of conception does not affect fetal or placental growth parameters or ratios in early gestation or at delivery

Ratio of fetal weight to placenta size varies by mode of conception (fertility treatments utilized) in animals. Our objective was to assess whether fertility treatments also affect these ratios in humans. In this retrospective study, we assessed two cohorts: (a) early gestation cohort, women with singleton pregnancies who underwent first trimester vaginal ultrasound and (b) delivered cohort, women who delivered a live-born, singleton infant with placenta disposition to pathology. Crown rump length (CRL) and estimated placental volume (EPV) were calculated from first trimester ultrasound images using a validated computation. Infant birth weight (BW), pregnancy data, placental weight (PW), and placental histopathology were collected. Fetal growth-to-placental weight ratios (CRL/EPV; BW/PW) and placentas were compared by mode of conception. Linear regression was used to adjust for confounding variables. Two thousand one hundred seventy patients were included in the early gestation cohort and 1443 in the delivered cohort. Of the early gestation cohort (a), 85.4% were spontaneous conceptions, 5.9% Non-IVF Fertility (NIFT), and 8.7% IVF. In the delivered cohort (b), 92.4% were spontaneous, 2.1% NIFT, and 80 5.5% IVF. There were no significant differences between fetal growth-to-placental weight parameters, ratios, and neonatal birth measurements based on mode of conception. Placenta accreta was significantly higher in the patients receiving fertility treatments (1.2 versus 3.6%, p < 0.05). Mode of conception does not appear to influence fetal growth-to-placental weight ratios throughout gestation. In addition, findings in animal models may not always translate into human studies of infertility treatment outcomes.

Comparison of the pregnancy outcomes between the medical and surgical treatments in tubal ectopi pregnancy

Various treatments have been proposed to treat ectopic pregnancy, but their impact on future pregnancies is still the subject of controversy. The aim of this study is to compare the medical and surgical treatment methods and their impact on the subsequent fertility results and complications in women with a history of ectopic pregnancy. In this analytical, cross-sectional study, 370 women with the history of ectopic pregnancy, (treared with single dose of methotrexate or salpingectomy by laparotomy), that referred to Al-Zahra Hospital, Rasht, Guilan between 2009 to 2013 were enrolled. 147 women responded to the phone call. The age, the number of women that needed to drug for pregnancy, fertility rate and the fertility outcomes were studied. 147 women responded to the call and between them, 114 women tried to get pregnant again after the ectopic pregnancy treatment. They were agreed to the participate in the study. The mean age of the patients was 28.56±5.63 yr. The fertility rates in the medical and the surgical groups were 56.6% and 47.61%, respectively (p=0.141). There were no significant differences in the poor consequences of pregnancy among the two groups; ectopic pregnancy (p=0.605), miscarriage (p=0.605), and prematuredelivery (p=0.648). 15.1% in the medicinal group and two patients 12.5% in the surgical group had received fertility treatment in order to get pregnant (p=0.135). There was no significant difference in two groups. It seems that surgical treatment depending on the underlying variables of each patient, can be used such as medical treatment, without worrying about its effect on fertility.

Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnant Women Receiving Fertility Treatments.

Hypertensive disorders (HDs) as the most prevalent medical problem during pregnancy, predispose the patient to a lot of comorbidities and may even cause maternal or fetal death. The rate of infertility has been increasing in recent decades. So, we collected and summarized data about the co-existence of these two entities and found that HDs are somewhat more common in women receiving fertility treatments regardless of pathophysiologic correlation of infer- tility and hypertension or older age and chance of multiple pregnancies.

Beyond hormone replacement: quality of life in women with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

ObjectiveLittle is known about how women with isolated GnRH deficiency cope with their condition. This study aimed to examine the health and informational needs of women with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) and evaluate if their experiences differ from women with more common forms of infertility.DesignCross-sectional, multiple methods study using web-based data collection to reach dispersed rare disease patients.MethodsA community-based participatory research framework was employed to develop an online survey and collect quantitative and qualitative data. Adult women diagnosed with CHH who had received at least one year of hormonal treatment completed the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. Information on health care experiences, treatment outcomes and patient-reported challenges were also collected.ResultsWomen (n = 55) were often diagnosed late (20.7 ± 7.4, range: 10–48 years) and 16/20 patients receiving fertility treatment conceived. Poor adherence was frequently observed (34/55) while more than half (27/49) reported a gap in treatment exceeding a year. Low adherence correlated with depressive symptoms (r = 0.3, P > 0.05). Negative illness perceptions were pervasive and 30/55 exhibited some depressive symptoms – significantly greater than women with common female factor infertility (P < 0.01). Symptoms were underappreciated by providers as only 15 of 55 patients had discussions about psychological services. Women identified isolation, need for information and finding expert care as challenges to living with CHH.ConclusionsDespite being a treatable form of female infertility, the presumable availability of treatment does not necessarily ensure adequate quality of life for women with isolated GnRH deficiency.

Should They Also Have Babies? Community Attitudes Toward Sexual and Reproductive Rights of People Living With HIV/AIDS in Nigeria

BackgroundPeople living with HIV have the right to healthy, satisfying sex lives and to appropriate services to ensure their sexual and reproductive health, including having healthy children. The reproductive rights of people living with HIV/AIDS are, however, often met with skepticism and discrimination, despite recent advances in HIV treatment. ObjectiveTo assess the attitudes of community members in Kano, Nigeria, toward the right of persons living with HIV/AIDS to have healthy sexual relationships and bear children. MethodsA cross-section of 399 adults was interviewed using pretested structured questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis was used to obtain adjusted estimates for predictors of agreement with the rights of persons with HIV/AIDS to bear children. FindingsA substantial proportion of respondents (28.6%) strongly agreed and agreed (10.5%) that persons with HIV/AIDS should not be allowed to marry. More than a fifth of the respondents disagreed (16.0%) and strongly disagreed (8.0%) with the rights of HIV-infected persons to bear children. Agreement with the statement “HIV-infected persons should have biological children” was independently associated with higher educational status (adjusted odds ratio: 2.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.82-6.73) and awareness of prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission effectiveness (adjusted odds ratio: 2.53, 95% confidence interval: 1.92-5.37). Of those who agreed that HIV-infected persons should have children (n = 253), 17.8% and 26.1% strongly agreed and agreed, respectively, that persons living with HIV/AIDS should be restricted to having fewer children. Further, 11.5% and 4.8% of respondents disagreed and strongly disagreed, respectively, that infertile HIV-infected couples should receive fertility treatment. ConclusionsPeople living with HIV/AIDS face discriminatory attitudes to their reproductive rights in northern Nigeria. There is a need for effective, culturally appropriate information, education, and communication approaches to improving community perceptions of sexual and reproductive rights of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Is pregnancy a teachable moment for diet and physical activity behaviour change? An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experiences of women during their first pregnancy.

Pregnancy may provide a 'teachable moment' for positive health behaviour change, as a time when women are both motivated towards health and in regular contact with health care professionals. This study aimed to investigate whether women's experiences of pregnancy indicate that they would be receptive to behaviour change during this period. Qualitative interview study. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, this study details how seven women made decisions about their physical activity and dietary behaviour during their first pregnancy. Two women had required fertility treatment to conceive. Their behaviour was driven by anxiety and a drive to minimize potential risks to the pregnancy. This included detailed information seeking and strict adherence to diet and physical activity recommendations. However, the majority of women described behaviour change as 'automatic', adopting a new lifestyle immediately upon discovering their pregnancy. Diet and physical activity were influenced by what these women perceived to be normal or acceptable during pregnancy (largely based on observations of others) and internal drivers, including bodily signals and a desire to retain some of their pre-pregnancy self-identity. More reasoned assessments regarding benefits for them and their baby were less prevalent and influential. Findings suggest that for women who conceived relatively easily, diet and physical activity behaviour during pregnancy is primarily based upon a combination of automatic judgements, physical sensations, and perceptions of what pregnant women are supposed to do. Health professionals and other credible sources appear to exert less influence. As such, pregnancy alone may not create a 'teachable moment'. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Significant life events can be cues to action with relation to health behaviour change. However, much of the empirical research in this area has focused on negative health experiences such as receiving a false-positive screening result and hospitalization, and in relation to unequivocally negative behaviours such as smoking. It is often suggested that pregnancy, as a major life event, is a 'teachable moment' (TM) for lifestyle behaviour change due to an increase in motivation towards health and regular contact with health professionals. However, there is limited evidence for the utility of the TM model in predicting or promoting behaviour change. What does this study add? Two groups of women emerged from our study: the women who had experienced difficulties in conceiving and had received fertility treatment, and those who had conceived without intervention. The former group's experience of pregnancy was characterized by a sense of vulnerability and anxiety over sustaining the pregnancy which influenced every choice they made about their diet and physical activity. For the latter group, decisions about diet and physical activity were made immediately upon discovering their pregnancy, based upon a combination of automatic judgements, physical sensations, and perceptions of what is normal or 'good' for pregnancy. Among women with relatively trouble-free conception and pregnancy experiences, the necessary conditions may not be present to create a 'teachable moment'. This is due to a combination of a reliance on non-reflective decision-making, perception of low risk, and little change in affective response or self-concept.

The German Middleway as Precursor for Single Embryo Transfer. A Retrospective Data-analysis of the Düsseldorf University Hospital's Interdisciplinary Fertility Centre - UniKiD.

Introduction: Patients receiving fertility treatment in Germany appear to be disadvantaged in comparison to those in other countries due to the restrictive Embryo Protection Act ("Embryonenschutzgesetz, ESchG"), which prohibits the selection of a "top" embryo. The so-called German Middleway ("Deutscher Mittelweg, DMW") now provides for a liberal interpretation of the ESchG by allowing the culture of numerous pronuclear stages (2PN stage). Materials and Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 2 assisted reproduction treatment cycles in n = 400 patients between the ages of 21 and 45 years, either treated 2× conservatively or 1× conservatively and 1× liberally according to DMW. Results: Pregnancy was achieved in 35 % of patients in the DMW group and 31 % of controls. The birth rate among controls was 28.5 % and 30.5 % in the DMW group. Most pregnancies resulted from the culture of 4 × 2PN stages. Conclusion: Patients in the DMW group had significantly higher pregnancy and birth rates compared to their previous cycles despite significantly increased age and significantly fewer transferred embryos. Key factors were the number of 2PNs generated and the quality of embryos transferred. Thus it can be assumed that particularly older patients with adequate ovarian reserves will benefit from DMW, i.e. the transfer of fewer embryos of the best possible quality.