1. Natural cycle frozen embryo transfer: a survey of current assisted reproductive technology practices in the U.S.
- Author
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Lee, Jacqueline C., Calzada-Jorge, Natalia S., Hipp, Heather S., and Kawwass, Jennifer F.
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EMBRYO transfer , *MENSTRUAL cycle , *REPRODUCTIVE technology , *PATIENT satisfaction , *LABORATORY personnel , *SOIL freezing , *DESCRIPTIVE statistics , *PROGESTERONE - Abstract
Purpose : Emerging data suggests improved obstetric outcomes with frozen embryo transfer (FET) in an ovulatory or natural cycle (NC-FETs), as compared to programmed endometrial preparation. The objective of this study is to better understand practice patterns and provider attitudes regarding the use of NC-FETs in the United States (U.S.). Methods : In this cross-sectional study, an anonymous 22-question survey was emailed to 441 U.S. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) clinics to assess the utilization of NC endometrial preparation for FET, protocols used, restrictions to offering NC-FET, and providers' perspectives on advantages and disadvantages of NC-FET. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze survey responses. Result(s): The survey response rate was 49% (216/441). Seventeen percent of responding clinics did not offer NC-FET. Of the clinics that did not offer NC-FET, 65% had only 1–2 physicians in their practice. Common reasons for not offering NC-FET included "lack of timing predictability for transfer" (81%) and "increased burden on staff/laboratory personnel on holidays and weekends" (54%). Of clinics offering NC-FET, 76% reported < 25% of cycles used the NC for endometrial preparation. Over half (52%) of clinics that offered NC-FET reported having eligibility restrictions for NC-FET. Reported benefits of NC-FET were "patient satisfaction" (18%), "decreased cost of medications" (18%), and "avoidance of intramuscular progesterone" (17%). The attitude towards NC-FET in their clinics was reported as positive by 65% of respondents. Conclusion: NC-FETs are offered by most U.S. ART clinics but are used only in the minority of FET cycles for endometrial preparation, and use is often restricted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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