Differences between doctor and patient estimates of outcome in male sub-fertility clinic attenders

Abstract

Treatment for male factor sub-fertility is limited, with low increases in pregnancy rate. Couples attending a male sub-fertility clinic are provided with prognostic information and advised about treatment options. This study aimed to examine the influence of clinic attendance on male sub-fertility patients' expectations of their partners becoming pregnant. Data were collected on 103 male sub-fertility clinic attenders before and after clinic consultation. Patients' mood and expectations of their partners achieving a pregnancy were recorded and compared with the consultant's expectations. Before consultation, patients expected that following the clinic visit their chance of pregnancy would be increased. Post-consultation, their perceptions of their chances of pregnancy were often inaccurate and were more influenced by their own expectations than by the consultant's view. There was no overall correlation between anxiety or depression and estimation of achieving a pregnancy. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.