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MICHAEL WOODHEAD FERTILITY clinics need to address the difficult issue of telling older women they should stop futile IVF treatment, a fertility specialist says.
With IVF clinics promoting their success rates in achieving pregnancy, some women over 40 believe they can defy biology and conceive, says Professor Bill Ledger, head of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of NSW.
Despite technological advances, the reality was that many women over 40 would never have a child through assisted reproduction, he told the Fertility Society of Australia annual conference in Adelaide.
“ At times there is an element of self-delusion about the chances of success from IVF … some older women explain that they have healthy lifestyles. But physical health has no influence on egg
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health or egg reserve,” he said.
“ There are some things science can’ t help you with. We can’ t beat biology.”
The chances of pregnancy fell
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to about 10 % at age 42 with IVF treatment and could be as low as 1 % for some women, he pointed out.
Professor Ledger said he did
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‘ Emotions are very deep, the tears come and a lot of us, including me, will often give in and say, okay, just have one more go.’
— Professor Bill Ledger, head of obstetrics and gynacaecology at the University of NSW
not believe commercial IVF clinics were offering women false hope of success, but that demand for treatment was patient-driven.
Despite clinics providing women
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with clear statistics on the low chances of success, some women were determined to keep trying, he told Australian Doctor.
“ Having a family is one of the most fundamental desires, so telling people to stop is a very tough thing and we don’ t always do it well,” he said.
“ Emotions are very deep, the tears come and a lot of us, including me, will often give in and say, okay, just have one more go.”
GPs could play an important role in providing psychological support for the grief that women experienced after stopping assisted reproductive technology, he said.
“ The woman will finish her contact with the clinic, yet will still have unmet need.
“ Often they and their partner have a long-term relationship with a GP practice which is much deeper and holistic than their relationship with us.”
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Staff writers |