The placebo response of subfertile couples to attending a tertiary referral centre.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine whether there was a placebo response to clinic attendance in couples with prolonged (greater than 4 years) subfertility. From 4 to 18 years of subfertility we observed a treatment independent cumulative conception rate of 22%, which was independent of the length of subfertility. Twenty-seven women conceived after 1 to 4 years' subfertility, and 30 conceived after greater than 4 years' subfertility. The fecundity of the latter group was significantly greater than that of women with 1 to 4 years' subfertility, being similar to "normal" subjects who had stopped contraception. This study demonstrates that a subgroup of apparently normal women with greater than 4 years' subfertility responded positively to clinic attendance independent of any investigation(s) or therapy.

• Authors: B C Dunphy, R Kay, J N Robinson, I D Cooke
• Journal: Fertility and sterility (Fertil Steril) Vol. 54 Issue 6 Pg. 1072-5 (Dec 1990) ISSN: 0015-0282 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2245831 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Placebos

Topics

• Adult
• Ambulatory Care Facilities
• Female
• Fertilization
• Humans
• Infertility (physiopathology, therapy)
• Male
• Placebos
• Referral and Consultation