Use Of Biased Language And Inaccurate Data About Male Factor Infertility On Fertility Clinic Websites In The USA

Main Category: Fertility
Also Included In: Urology / Nephrology;  Men's health;  IT / Internet / E-mail
Article Date: 24 Nov 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA, USA (UroToday.com) - The purpose of this study was to evaluate male factor infertility (MFI) content on fertility clinic websites in the United States.

The authors queried the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology registry in July of 2007 and obtained a list of 396 clinics performing IVF/ICSI. Websites were assessed for:

1. academic or private,
2. whether or not male factor infertility was mentioned,
3. whether or not a urologist was part of the fertility team, and
4. if there were links to the urologist on the webpage.

Discussion of vasectomy reversal, presence of inaccurate information, and the use of biased language were noted. Language was considered biased if it could potentially dissuade a couple from seeking a Male Factor Infertility evaluation or treatment.

Overall, 58.0% of websites mentioned MFI.. Only 7.4% of clinics included a urologist as part of their treatment team. 13.4% of websites contained inaccurate information.

There were inaccuracies or prejudicial information which may direct patients to ART rather than specific male factor treatment. The authors point out that this should be viewed as an opportunity for increased involvement by the urologic community with these clinics and improved accuracy and quality of information.

Editorial Comments:

It should be noted that this was a prize winning paper not because of the "science" but because it documents an important flaw in the way and what we communicate to patients. The in vitro fertilization "industry" has a bias that directs patient into IVF cycles. It is incumbent upon urologists to be certain that patients have access to good quality information. It was interesting to note that there was not a significant difference in the quality of information presented by academic medical center IVF programs and private practice facilities.

This SMRU Prize Paper was Presented by D. H. Williams IV, and J. D. Nelson, et al., at the 64th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine - November 8 - 12, 2008 - San Francisco, California

Reported by UroToday.com Contributing Editor Harris M. Nagler, MD

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