Follicle-stimulating hormone levels and medication compliance during in vitro fertilization

Patient attitudes towards and satisfaction with subcutaneous injection of progesterone versus vaginal administration in assisted reproductive technology treatment

The hormones used in fertility treatment come in various forms. Progesterone used for luteal phase support is often administered vaginally as either suppositories, tablets or gel. However, in Denmark the administration of progesterone as a subcutaneous injection has newly been introduced. The aim of the study was to explore patient attitudes towards and satisfaction with subcutaneous injection of progesterone versus vaginal administration of progesterone in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatments.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A qualitative study with online and face to face interviews with a total of 19 women undergoing an ART treatment. Only women with at least one previous blastocyst transfer using vaginal progesterone or subcutaneous progesterone could be recruited. All participants were included from either the Fertility Clinic at Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte or from the Fertility Unit at Aalborg University Hospital.

RESULTS

The analysis resulted in four themes: (1) medication, (2) everyday life, (3) bodily experiences and (4) infertility or hope. Most informants highlighted the administration of subcutaneous progesterone only once a day and avoidance of the vaginal discharge as clear advantages. Reasons for preferring the vaginal administration were inconvenience of bringing the subcutaneous medication along and resistance to inject oneself.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study suggest that the satisfaction with the subcutaneous progesterone is generally positive. However, valuable thoughts have given insights into possible areas, which could be improved. Further, that some women prefer vaginal progesterone. The results show that the women are interested in being included in the decision-making when choosing the administration form of progesterone.

Prevalence and associated factors of medication adherence among infertile women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle: A cross-sectional study

Objective: This study aimed to explore the prevalence and associated factors of medication adherence among infertile women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 556 infertile women undergoing FET cycle in total. The Self-efficacy for Appropriate Medication Use Scale (SEAMS), Herth Hope Index (HHI) scale, and Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) were used to evaluate the patients. Data were described by univariate and multivariate analyses. Logistic regression method was performed to analyse the factors potentially associated with medication adherence.

Results: The average score of Self-efficacy for Appropriate Medication Use Scale (SEAMS) was 30.38 ± 6.65, and 65.3% of participants showed non-adherence. Multiple regression analysis indicated that first-time FET cycle, treatment stage, methods of daily medication, social support and hope level were the main associated factors of the medication adherence among infertile women undergoing FET cycle (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: This study revealed the medication adherence is at medium level among infertile women undergoing FET cycle, especially in patients with repeated FET cycles. The study also suggested that improving the hope level and social support of infertile women undergoing FET cycle may increase medication adherence.

Women's Reports of Barriers to and Facilitators of Oral Medication Adherence During Ovarian Stimulation: A Mixed Methods Pilot Study

Background:

Adherence to lifestyle modification recommendations remains problematic for women undergoing fertility treatment, raising concerns about the extent to which women adhere to prescribed medication regimens. Limited data have shown suboptimal oral medication adherence rates of 19% to 74%. The objective of this study was to explore what women perceive as barriers to and facilitators of oral medication adherence during fertility treatment cycles.

Methods:

An exploratory mixed methods pilot study was conducted among a sample of 30 women who were actively taking one to two cycles of letrozole or clomiphene citrate for ovarian stimulation in conjunction with intrauterine insemination cycles. Medication adherence barriers were measured using a 20-item survey. Medication adherence facilitators and personal experiences with fertility treatment were assessed with structured interviews. Medication adherence was assessed with electronic event monitoring.

Results:

The overall medication adherence median was 0.97 with a range of 0.75 to 1.00, and nine women (50%) demonstrated perfect adherence. The most commonly reported barriers were recently feeling sad, down, or blue (53%), and taking medication more than once per day (40%). Women with higher barrier scores had significantly lower medication adherence scores (p=0.02) compared to women with lower total barrier scores. Facilitators included using physical aides as reminders (60%) and establishing a daily routine (50%). No significant correlation was found between medication adherence scores and facilitators.

Conclusion:

The dynamic interplay between perceived barriers and facilitators and women’s medication-taking patterns could influence whether or not medication regimens are followed correctly.