IVF patients versus IVF doctors

When patients come to an IVF clinic, they expect to be treated by an IVF expert. Having spent many years in medical school, we have mastered technical skills such as egg collection and embryo transfer. However, some patients want only the doctor’s technical help , and not their professional advice. This includes carrying out laboratory procedures that the patients cannot do by themselves at home.

Such patients are normally familiar with the whole IVF process and may only want the doctor’s technical help. However, in such cases where patients are interested only in the doctor’s technical expertise , they may end up clashing with the doctor's professional views. For example, older women may insist that the doctor do IVF with their own eggs, instead of choosing egg donation , even when they know that their ovarian reserve is low and that their chances of getting pregnant are very slim. 

They do not want a doctor's advise - they have already made up their mind. They get upset when their doctor insists on offering them alternative options they are not emotionally prepared to explore.

If they do not accept the doctor's advise, he may feel that the patient is questioning his competence and authority and may consequently get annoyed.

The best approach is for both the patient and the doctor to agree on the kind of help the patient will be offered; whether technical or professional. Most importantly, patients should be open to diverse medical views as opposed to prematurely choosing only those options that seem appealing to them initially. They need to make well-informed decisions , based on a wide knowledge base. Equally, IVF doctors needs to be supportive and not judgmental - after all, patients and doctors are on the same side !