A prospective, longitudinal study of emotions and relationships in in- vitro fertilization treatment

Abstract

Emotional and relationship assessments were completed by 144 couples at intake for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and 6 months after either the identification of pregnancy or the discontinuation of treatment following three unsuccessful cycles. Women also completed emotional assessments at the time of pre-oocyte recovery and post-embryo replacement within each treatment cycle. At intake, women were more anxious than their partners and comparative norms, and were less positive than men about their marital and sexual relationships. Initial emotional assessments were not related to subsequent pregnancy, but at follow-up those who were pregnant were less depressed and more positive about their relationships. Within treatment cycles scores for women were higher after embryo replacement and the failure of pregnancy. First and last treatment cycles were associated with greater anxiety. High levels of confusion and bewilderment found during the initial cycle may indicate the need for better pretreatment information. Services must recognize the presence of high anxiety at intake and provide psychological care for those identified as particularly distressed. Emotional difficulties after failure of IVF treatment can be considered to be iatrogenic effects, and psychological services should be provided to minimize any negative psychological consequences of treatment.

Body-mind-spirit intervention for IVF Women

“…A number of studies have examined the psychosocial impact of IVF on both women and couples (7,8). Women undergoing IVF treatment usually experience adverse psychological symptoms, such as increased levels of anxiety (9), depression (10,11), and emotional stress (12,13). The diagnostic and treatment procedures involve physical discomfort and frequently disturb day-to-day routines and sexual functioning (14).…”

Estados emocionais de casais submetidos à fertilização in vitro

“…As mulheres que apresentaram sintomas psicoemocionais, segundo o GHQ-12, não engravidaram (Tabela 3). (Beaurepaire et al, 1994;Beutel et al, 1999, Newton et al, 1990Slade, Emery & Lieberman, 1997).…”

“…Os escores de homens e mulheres inférteis no BDI encontraram-se abaixo dos valores da população normativa, talvez devido ao otimismo dos casais diante da perspectiva de terem o filho desejado, confirmando achados de outros estudos (Beaurepaire et al, 1994;Hearn et al, 1987;Slade et al, 1997;Verhaak et al, 2001). primeiro procedimento (Beaurepaire et al, 1994;Beutel et al, 1999).…”

Relation of anxiety and depressive symptoms with perceived social support according to gender within infertile couples

“…The IU group reported significantly more anxiety than the combined infertility group. In the literature, there were findings reporting either that couples with infertility have higher anxiety scores (1,34) or that couples with infertility have anxiety scores in the normal range (26,39). The social role rooted in maternity may cause women to perceive infertility as a threat; which in turn may cause them more anxiety (21,23).…”