'Medical Clowning' may Improve Success Rates of In-vitro Fertilization, Embryo Transfer

'Medical clowning' improved the rate of pregnancy, says a study conducted in Israel and published in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility. The idea behind this study was sheer common sense that women who were less stressed during in-vitro fertilization (IVF) sessions and embryo transfer (ET) showed better outcomes.

Immediately after the procedure, a 'professional medical clown' visited the patients for about 15minutes and performed tricks, magic and jokes. The results of this study are quite encouraging. It is not about the clown, but a 15minute visit from someone who makes the patient comfortable and laugh during this stressful moment could also be helpful. Previous studies which supported the stress reduction idea during IVF and ET sessions were expensive and involved training program.

Thus medical clowning after IVF-ET might have beneficial effects on pregnancy rates and deserves further investigation.

Source: Medindia