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You need to be aware of the following inappropriate uses of technology in reproductive medicine today, so that no one uses you as a guinea pig.
A prime example of this 'folly' is routine ultrasound scanning to "time" intercourse. While no one will dispute the fact that ultrasound scanning can provide extremely useful information on ovulation, to use this simply to time intercourse only adds to the infertile couple's stress!
An example of this would be advising IVF (in vitro fertilization) for all infertile patients, just because the equipment and expertise are available and because the procedure is technically feasible. However, for most infertile patients there are many simpler treatment options available, which should be fully explored before considering IVF.
A common example is the use of lasers or endoscopic equipment for complicated surgery. Just attending a two-day workshop and acquiring a certificate do not make a doctor sufficiently expert in using this technology; a number of mishaps have been reported because of operator inexperience.
There are many reasons for the inappropriate use of medical technology. For instance:
The major factor, of course, is money or the need to generate income. Doctors need to justify the purchase of expensive incubators and micromanipulators, and as hospitals have become profit-oriented organizations, doctors are becoming increasingly answerable to the management regarding the profitability of their services. Nowadays, once a piece of equipment has been purchased, it needs to be 'utilized' to make it 'cost-effective'. Woe betide the doctor who does not generate enough money through the latest gadgets! He may find that his contract is not renewed!
The glamour and the dazzle of the latest medical gizmos tend to lure most doctors, and this can be as tempting as wanting to drive the latest model car! One gains prestige by being the first to adopt the latest technique; or by being the only one in the world/country/city to possess the latest and newest 'toy'.
The pressure from manufacturers to buy the 'latest and newest'. 'New and improved' versions prove attractive, not only to toothpaste consumers, but also to doctors, and the medical industry (both equipment manufacturers and pharmaceuticals) has developed powerful tactics and techniques to induce doctors to prescribe and use their newest products. The companies involved can afford to spend large amount of money on advertising, and they use this capability very effectively to maximize their profits.
After reading a news item, the most important question you need to ask is: how can you intelligently apply what you have read to your treatment? Make sure you are well-informed, so that you can critically assess the reported advance, and judge its relevance (as it relates to your problem) for yourself. Make it a point to ask your doctor as well! Your own doctor can help you make sense of the technology, and put it in the right perspective.
© Dr. Aniruddha Malpani and Dr. Anjali Malpani www.drmalpani.com
Credits: How to Have a Baby: Overcoming Infertility
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