The Health Needs, Treatment Options, and Experiences from Treatment Including Complementary Medicine of Women with Diminished Ovarian Reserve

Abstract

Background: Women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) have fewer oocytes than would be expected at their age. While a decrease in ovarian reserve is a normal part of ageing, some women experience a decrease beyond what is physiologically expected due to normal age-related decline. Optimal management of women with DOR remains unclear, with medically assisted reproduction (MAR) being the only option being offered to women with DOR trying to conceive with autologous oocytes. The success rate of MAR, however, is significantly lower in women with DOR than those with a normal ovarian reserve. There is no data from a representative sample as to the needs, treatment options and experiences of women with DOR in Australia. Many women in Australia use complementary medicine to improve their chances of having a live healthy baby, with women attempting to conceive being more likely to consult a naturopath than women who are not trying to conceive. We do not know, however, if women with DOR are using complementary medicine, why they are using it and whether they have found the treatment to be helpful. Aim: To determine the health needs of women with DOR, their experiences and treatment decisions including their reasons for choosing any potential complementary medicine options including naturopathy. Method: This is a cross-sectional survey of women aged 18 years or over who have been diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve and are living in Australia or New Zealand. Participants are recruited through health websites, newsletters and social media. Each participant completes an anonymous online survey asking about their diagnosis, fertility aspirations, treatments recommended and undertaken, use and experience of traditional, integrative and complementary medicine. Results: Ethics approval was gained for the survey in March 2021. Data collection began in April 2021 and is due to be completed by the end of June 2021. An estimate of 150 participants will be recruited. Results will be analysed and available for presentation at the FSA conference in September 2021. Conclusion: This body of research will contribute to the understanding of the health needs and treatment options for women with DOR, highlight the potential strengths and limitations of complementary medicine for managing DOR and guide future research priorities.