Comparing stress in patients having Day 3 vs Day 5 embryo transfers

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Differences in emotional stress between patients having cleavage stage versus blastocyst embryo transfer

• IRAS ID

  220698

• Contact name

  Vidya Tamhankar

• Contact email

  vidya.tamhankar@sth.nhs.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Clinical Research Office Sheffield, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

• Duration of Study in the UK

  0 years, 10 months, 26 days

• Research summary

  It is widely reported that infertility treatment is an emotionally taxing time for patients, with the prospect of a failed cycle being a major contributor to this stress.
  Current practice in our assisted conception unit is to culture embryos to day 5 of their development (if possible) before transferring to the patient's uterus, but this can be affected by multiple factors, including the number and quality of embryos. One reason for this practice being employed in the clinic is that there is some evidence to suggest that transferring fresh embryos on day 5 leads to greater clinical pregnancy rates than on day 3. Therefore, if patients are informed that they will be having their embryo put back on day 3, this may increase their anxiety. Also, a number of patients will have surplus good quality embryos that are suitable to be stored for future treatment. If no embryos are stored, the patient may experience greater pressure for the ongoing cycle to be successful. This study aims to assess the stress levels of patients attending our clinic for fresh cycles of IVF and comparing any differences between those having their transfer on day 3 to day 5, and those having embryos stored compared to those who do not. Patients will be asked to complete 2 short questionnaires on day 3 (either after having a day 3 embryo transfer or if waiting until day 5) and return them to the clinic when they attend for their HCG pregnancy test or via the pre-paid envelope provided. If a difference in stress is found between the patients, it will enable the clinic to investigate ways to better support this vulnerable group and alleviate their distress; as we are responsible for providing both medical treatment and caring for patient psychological wellbeing.

• REC name

  Wales REC 6

• REC reference

  17/WA/0121

• Date of REC Opinion

  11 May 2017

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion