The A.R.T. of embroidery.

, population statistics will still be grossly incorrect measures of IVF programme quality. Thirdly, attempts to feed the appetite of patients, politicians, and insurance companies for information on IVF programmes by the provision of statistical results summaries under the auspices of well-intentioned professional societies (or regulatory agencies) actually make the problem worse. This is because the data receive an imprimature of authority, objectivity, and fairness that they cannot have even in theory. How then, shall patients be best advised to seek professional care for their complex infertility problems? The answer is not simple, and cannot be reduced to a statistic, but it is really the same advice which thoughtful individuals usually follow in seeking professional services for any important purpose. Look for long and extensive experience, innovation, intelligence, and compassion. Learn as much as you can. Review the general reputation of the organization and its professionals locally and nationally. Contact a number of others in the field and ask their advice. Talk to the staff. And lastly, think hard and trust your own judgement It's going to take a long time to get this message across. Meanwhile, I await my next 1000 phone calls on IVF statistics with some measure of equanimity. Last night, I had a dream. In this dream, Patrick Steptoe was still alive and he and Bob Edwards had opened an IVF centre in the US. The phone rang: 'Hello. This is Mr. Steptoe.' 'I'm trying to find the doctor who does IVF.' 'I am that doctor.' 'Oh. What's your success rate?' 'Well, that depends upon the problem you have of course. We will go into that in more detail when we get your records or you come for a consultation. But let me tell you this. I invented IVF with my colleague, Professor Edwards, almost 20 years ago. We have accomplished several thousand IVF pregnancies. Patients come to us from all over the world for IVF treatment Do you have our address?' 'Hey, thanks Doc, but what's your success rate?' References Schoysman, R. (1996) Plea for realism and honesty in results of infertility treatment. We can only agree with Dr. Schoysman's plea (1996) for honesty and fair results. If everyone is irritated by the quality and reality of some of the scientific presentations and papers on infertility, some of the blame has to be put on the selection procedures of meetings and journals, although medical congresses …