Society and purchasers, in all walks of life, are being trained to believe in effectiveness measurements often using arbitrary league tables. The success rates of infertility treatments are difficult to compare as there is a variety of factors associated with infertility with couples having a spectrum of severity. These factors include:
- age of each partner.
- cause of the infertility.
- duration of infertility.
- previous treatments.
There is a rapidly increasing number of treatments and a variety of protocols for each treatment. Finally, success may be reported in terms of biochemical pregnancy (a positive pregnancy test that may be performed between 9 and 21 days after the possible conception day), clinical pregnancy (evidence of a viable pregnancy on early ultrasound), ongoing pregnancy, and live births. Live birth rates may overstate success as this may include multiple births.
These problems are well recognised and useful attempts to satisfy the need for an overview have been made. Whilst high-tech assisted conception techniques may provide higher success rates per cycle, they are completely unnatural and highly invasive. Furthermore, assisted conception has a high incidence of multiple pregnancies that are prone to obstetric and neonatal complications.
We believe that couples must be provided with unbiased information so that they can, as far as economic restrictions allow, follow the treatment path of their choice. There is a need for better organisation and integration of resources to ensure that simple, less invasive and more economical investigations and treatments are fully utilised before resorting to 'high-tech' options simply because they may be more modern and receive wider media coverage.
In the UK, HFEA provides details of the results for all IVF Units.
Finally, when choosing a fertility unit, it should be remembered that whereas ultimate success is a fundamental objective, the care provided by the fertility team is important and you may find that your general practitioner, friends or family are able to advise you.
Thank you for choosing to visit us.
This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, retired Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
- Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
The aim of this web site is to provide a general guide and it is not intended as a substitute for a consultation with an appropriate specialist in respect of individual care and treatment.
David Viniker retired from active clinical practice in 2012.In 1999, he setup this website - www.2womenshealth.com - to provide detailed
information many of his patients requested. The website attracts thousands of visitors every day from around the world.
Website optimisation (SEO) has became more than an active hobby. If you would like advice on your website, please visit his website Keyword SEO PRO or email him on david@page1-on-google.com.
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