Private MD News

Few women comply with doctors orders to increase odds of conception

Category: Infertitlity Hormone Testing

Following FSH testing, many women find out that they will need some help to become pregnant. However, new research indicates that many individuals do not follow their instructions on the best ways to become pregnant.

Researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center surveyed a group of more than 100 women undergoing in vitro fertilization treatments. The women were given the standard recommendations to cut back on exercise, stop smoking, avoid herbal supplements, give up alcohol, stay away from caffeine and cancel their acupuncture appointments.

The results showed that relatively small percentage of the participants actually complied with these recommendations. While following these guidelines may not ensure conception, studies have suggested that they increase the odds, and they are the best recommendations doctors can give.

Because so few patients complied with their doctors instructions, doctors should provide behavioral counseling along with fertility treatments, the researchers concluded. This may enhance the effectiveness of fertility treatments after an FSH test has revealed a woman may need assistance conceiving.