The impact of infertility on the mental health of women undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment

Abstract

Background & problem

Infertility affects a substantial number of couples, posing physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. Infertile women experienced a sense of loss of control and planning of life with high stress and anxiety and they must deal with the uncertainty of treatment. The evolution of assisted reproductive techniques has provided hope for couples that struggle with infertility. The implementation of questionnaires assessing the mental health of women with infertility before, during, and after the IVF procedure proved to be useful tool to evaluate women who needs psychological support.

Aim

This study aims to explore the impact of infertility on the mental health of women undergoing IVF treatment.

Methods

For the assessment of infertility on women’s mental health, the CES-D Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults, and the Fertility Problem Inventory scale were given before or during the diagnostic evaluation of the infertility and before the initiation of infertility treatment (ovulation induction). To assess the effect of ART on the mental health of the participants, the fertility quality of life tool was applied at the end of the procedure.

Findings

The current study found that the greater age, the greater educational level and not having experienced a miscarriage were significantly associated with better quality of life and decreased stress during the IVF procedure.

Conclusions

The application of psychological interventions can assist all women undergoing infertility treatment as a way to cope with the challenges associated with infertility treatment. IVF couples may need additional support during the procedure.