Lifestyle, Stress, and Optimizing the Preconception Health Needs of Infertile Patients

Author: Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York
Published: 11th Nov 2017
Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A
Additional References: IVF, Adoption, Fertility Publications

Summary: Reproductive Medicine Associates of NY revealed modifiable lifestyle factors to be discussed prior to and after an infertile patients initial reproductive care consultation.

Main Document

Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York (RMA of NY), one of the premier fertility centers in Manhattan, revealed modifiable lifestyle factors to be discussed prior to and after an infertile patient's initial reproductive care consultation. The presentation was one of 33 scientific abstracts presented by the RMA of NY at the 73rd annual meeting of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) in San Antonio, Texas.

Dr. Alan B. Copperman, Co-Director of RMA of NY and Vice Chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, explains:

"Optimizing a patient's health in the preconception phase should be a priority, as it may not only improve pregnancy outcomes and fertility rates, but also lessen the psychological burden experienced by many infertile women."

RMA of NY issued a survey to understand the demographics, medical history, prior fertility treatments, and lifestyle habits of patients at their initial infertility consultation. Another survey was administered after consultation to determine if any patients changed their perspectives of quality care.

One hundred and eight women completed the pre-consultation survey between 2016 and 2017, and 26 completed the follow-up questionnaire. Nearly 50% of participants had been trying to conceive for more than a year while 14% trying for more than two years.

Findings included the observation that patients trying to conceive for more than a year were more likely to experience signs and symptoms of stress and feel they had little control over their fertility. However, these patients were also more likely to alter their lifestyle habits in an attempt to improve their reproductive potential.

Generally, patients who already practice a healthy lifestyle felt a greater sense of control and experienced less stress while facing infertility. Most of the respondents showed interest in seeking assistance in improving physical activities (84.3%), diet (88%), and mental health (75%) during treatment.

Senior author Rashmi Kudesia, M.D, M.Sc. notes:

"Our findings suggest that women want to take ownership of modifiable lifestyle factors, desire more support and information than they receive currently, and that some women with the most to gain from complementary healthcare services are not accessing these resources. We recommend clinicians offer support to optimize their patients' health and wellness, and suggest a team approach to help minimize patient anxiety and maximize a greater sense of control during infertility treatment. Apart from improving facilities and utilizing innovative treatment techniques, reproductive care centers may consider improving the patient's physical and mental health by investing into a more holistic approach in fertility care."

About Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, LLP

Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York (RMA of NY) is a global leader in delivering personalized, precise, and compassionate reproductive care. The integrated team of physicians and scientists at RMA of NY has extensive experience and training in reproductive endocrinology, fertility, and urology, and consistently reports high success rates to the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As part of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, RMA of NY performs scientific, educational, and clinical functions. RMA of NY has been recognized as a leader in LGBTQ reproductive care, for women choosing single or same-sex motherhood, and for women and men pursuing fertility preservation for elective and medical indications.

Headquartered in Midtown Manhattan, RMA of NY has three patient care facilities in Manhattan, as well as offices in Brooklyn, Garden City, and White Plains, NY. Additionally, RMA of NY has patient care facilities in Mexico City, Mexico.