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Psychological aspects of in vitro fertilization: a review

Author

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  • Eugster, A.
  • Vingerhoets, A. J. J. M.

Abstract

This paper reviews psychological research within the context of in vitro fertilization (IVF). The focus will be on psychological reactions before entering an IVF-procedure, during an IVF-treatment, and after both unsuccessful and successful IVF. The effects of psychosocial factors on the treatment outcome after IVF and interventions on conception rates will also be discussed. Undergoing an IVF-treatment is an emotional and physical burden, for both the woman and her partner. Research results suggest that couples entering an IVF-treatment program are, in general, psychologically well adjusted. Concerning reactions during the treatment, both women and men experience waiting for the outcome of the IVF-treatment and an unsuccessful IVF, as most stressful. Common reactions during IVF are anxiety and depression, while after an unsuccessful IVF, feelings of sadness, depression and anger prevail. After a successful IVF-treatment, IVF-parents experience more stress during pregnancy than 'normal fertile' parents. Mothers with children conceived by IVF express a higher quality of parent-child relationship than mothers with a naturally conceived child. Research further suggests that psychosocial factors, like ineffective coping strategies, anxiety and/or depression are associated with a lower pregnancy rate following IVF-procedures. In addition, support has been found suggesting that stress reduction through relaxation training or behavioral treatment improves conception rates.

Suggested Citation

  • Eugster, A. & Vingerhoets, A. J. J. M., 1999. "Psychological aspects of in vitro fertilization: a review," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 48(5), pages 575-589, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:48:y:1999:i:5:p:575-589
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    Cited by:

    1. Chung-Feng Liu & Yung-Chieh Tsai & Fong-Lin Jang, 2013. "Patients’ Acceptance towards a Web-Based Personal Health Record System: An Empirical Study in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-18, October.
    2. Greil, Arthur L. & McQuillan, Julia & Lowry, Michele & Shreffler, Karina M., 2011. "Infertility treatment and fertility-specific distress: A longitudinal analysis of a population-based sample of U.S. women," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 73(1), pages 87-94, July.
    3. Abdullahi Fido & Muhammad Ajmal Zahid, 2004. "Coping with Infertility among Kuwaiti Women: Cultural Perspectives," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 50(4), pages 294-300, December.
    4. Knoll, Nina & Kienle, Rolf & Bauer, Katharina & Pfüller, Bettina & Luszczynska, Aleksandra, 2007. "Affect and enacted support in couples undergoing in-vitro fertilization: When providing is better than receiving," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 64(9), pages 1789-1801, May.

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