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Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics
Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics 2/2016

01-02-2016 | Assisted Reproduction Technologies

Awareness of the effects of postponing motherhood among hospital gynecologists: is their knowledge sufficient to offer appropriate help to patients?

Authors: Alberto Revelli, Alessandra Razzano, Luisa Delle Piane, Simona Casano, Chiara Benedetto

Published in: Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics | Issue 2/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to ascertain the awareness of hospital gynecologists about the effects of woman’s age on spontaneous fecundity and on the efficacy of assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs).

Methods

One hundred fifty-six gynecologists working in public or private Italian hospitals, without specific experience in reproductive medicine and ART, were administered a multiple-choice answer questionnaire addressing (a) the effect of age on woman’s spontaneous fecundity, (b) the tools to estimate the ovarian follicular reserve, and (c) the outcome of ART in women above 40 years.

Results

Approximately half of the interviewed gynecologists indicated the woman’s age limit for successful reproduction between 44 and 50 years; fertility lifespan was believed to be prolonged by oral contraception, pro-fertility medical treatments, or ART. The correct meaning of serum FSH measurement was known by approximately one third of the interviewed doctors. The effectiveness of ART for women of advanced age was overestimated by half of the gynecologists, especially in case of patients having regular cycles and/or small follicles at ultrasound.

Conclusions

Overall, the survey clearly showed that the knowledge of hospital gynecologists about the effects of age on woman’s fertility and ART effectiveness is largely insufficient to offer scientifically correct, helpful information to patients. Properly targeted corrections to academic and periodical educational programs for Ob/Gyn specialists are warranted.
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Metadata
Title
Awareness of the effects of postponing motherhood among hospital gynecologists: is their knowledge sufficient to offer appropriate help to patients?
Authors
Alberto Revelli
Alessandra Razzano
Luisa Delle Piane
Simona Casano
Chiara Benedetto
Publication date
01-02-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics / Issue 2/2016
Print ISSN: 1058-0468
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7330
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-015-0640-x

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