Infertile Couples Research Articles

Evaluation of Varicocelectomy Operative Therapy for Infertile Couples at the UGM Academic Hospital

Background: Infertility is a condition of the male or female reproductive system characterized by failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of having regular sexual intercourse without contraception. Since 2013, Rumah Sakit Akademik UGM (RSA UGM) has providing varicocele therapy to infertile individuals. The Ivanissevich varicocelectomy procedure is used for varicocele therapy.Objective: This study intends to examine the management of varicocele patients at RSA UGM.Methods: This research is a retrospective study by opening medical records and interviews. The study population was all patients who underwent varicocelectomy surgery between 2013 and 2021. Data is presented in the form of graphs.Results: The distribution of varicocele lateralization showed that out of 35 respondents, 23 respondents (66%) had one side varicoceles and 12 respondents (34%) both sides varicoceles. The distribution based on successful pregnancy shows that out of 35 respondents, 10 respondent couples (29%) have already gotten pregnant, 25 respondents (71%) haven't gotten pregnant. The distribution of varicocele lateralization in respondents who have children shows that 70% of respondents are one side and 30% of respondents are both sides. Complications of discomfort revealed that 88% of research participants had no complaints of postoperative pain, whereas 11% occasionally suffered pain following varicocele surgery.Conclusion: Varicocele that is one side is more common. Patients with one side varicocele who have surgery are more likely to become parents than those with both sides varicocele. At RSA UGM, the varicocelectomy success rate is comparable to the worldwide success rate.Keywords: Varicocele, success rate, one side, both sides.

Personality Traits and Depression in Infertile Couples during the COVID-19.

Background/Objectives: The study presented in this paper seeks to examine how personality traits and depressive symptoms, influenced by the fear of COVID-19, interact in infertile couples, who are on the verge of commencing treatments with assisted reproductive technology (ART). The purpose of this observational study was to explore the relationship between personality traits in infertile couples and the occurrence of depressive symptoms, taking into account the mediating effect of COVID-19 fear. Methods: The study sample consisted of 108 women and 71 men (N = 179), all of whom had received an infertility diagnosis and expressed a desire to begin ART treatment at a Sicilian ART center; they were subsequently recruited. The Personality Inventory (PI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Fear of COVID (FCV-19S) were used for data collection. Results: The FCV-19S demonstrates a significant positive correlation with both neuroticism (r = 0.25, p = 0.001) and agreeableness (r = 0.19, p = 0.012). In addition, there is a significant correlation between FCV-19S (r = 0.67, p < 0.001) and depression symptoms. The mediation analysis reveals that neuroticism is a predictor of fear of COVID-19 (β = 1.77, p = 0.001) and depression (β = 0.22, p = 0.002). Additionally, the fear of COVID-19 significantly influences (β = 0.12, p < 0.001) depression. Conclusions: This study found that neuroticism and agreeableness are positively linked to the fear of COVID-19, and women displayed notable mild mood disorders. Neuroticism predicted both depression and fear of COVID-19, while fear of COVID-19 predicted depressive symptoms. However, the total efficacy of the mediation model was not significant, thereby suggesting that the variables do not fully explain this model.

The Relationship Between Smooth Endoplasmic Reticulum Clusters in Metaphase II Oocytes and Embryological and Birth Outcomes in Infertile Couples.

To assess the relationship between oocytes with smooth endoplasmic reticulum cluster (SERc) and embryological and birth outcomes in infertile couples. This was a descriptive study that included 231 infertile patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) with a total of 2447 mature oocytes (MII), of which 279 oocytes with SERc(+) from 100 patients, the remaining 2168 oocytes with SERc(-). Oocytes were evaluated for the presence or absence of the SERc simultaneously with intracytoplasmic sperm injection at 200x magnification using inverted microscopy - Observe D1. The mean age of patients was 32.05 ± 5.56 years. One hundred patients had at least one SERc(+) oocyte (with 279 SERc(+) and 956 SERc(-) oocytes). One hundred and thirty-one patients had 1212 SERc(-) oocytes. Fertilization outcomes and the rates of good-quality embryos on day 2 and day 5 did not differ between the SERc(+) and the SERc(-) groups. In the first frozen embryo transfer cycles, the clinical pregnancy rate in the group of patients with SERc(+) was not different with the SERc(-) group (61.1% vs 48.78%, p = 0.074, respectively). The live birth rate in the SERc(+) group was statistically significantly higher than the SERc(-) group (57.7% vs 43.9%, p = 0.045, respectively). The fertilization rate, the quality of embryos on days 2 and 5 from oocytes with SERc(+) are similar to those with SERc(-). The live birth rate in the patients with SERc(+) group is statistically significantly higher than the SERc(-) group. There is no difference in clinical pregnancy rate between patients with and without SERc. Therefore, the exclusion of oocytes with SERc should not be recommended.

Determinants of Quality of Life in Serbian Infertile Couples

Background: This study aimed to examine the quality of life and the factors that determine the quality of life of infertile couples. Methods: The research was conducted as a cross-sectional study at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic "Narodni Front" in Belgrade, the Special Gynecology Hospital "Ferona" in Novi Sad, the Special Hospital for the Treatment of Sterility and In Vitro Fertilization "Spebo Medikal" in Leskovac and the General Hospital in Valjevo, Serbia in 2022, on a sample of 378 infertile couples. The data were collected by means of a questionnaire, the integral part of which is the standardized FertiQoL scale. Independent t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to determine differences. A value of P&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Women achieve a significantly lower score on the quality-of-life questionnaire (69.34±11.05) compared to men (73.96±9.87). Women exhibit significantly lower scores in the area of physical, emotional and social functioning (P&lt;0.05). Men who live in the countryside show a lower quality of life score in the emotional (P=0.029) and social (P=0.042) domains. In addition, men over 40 years of age and with a high level of education have a lower quality of life (P=0.08). Conclusion: Women have a lower quality of life, as do men from rural areas and over 40 years of age. A multidisciplinary approach and community education, as well as the provision of social support with a special emphasis on emotional and material support, would significantly contribute to improving the quality of life of infertile couples.

Knowledge and Attitudes Regarding Infertility among Infertile Couples in Mosul City, Iraq

Abstract Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude toward infertility among infertile couples. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional research design was implemented over a period lasting from October 5, 2022, to December 25, 2022. A total of 138 infertile couples were selected through simple random sampling, and interviews were conducted with couples who attended consulting clinics for the management and treatment of infertility in three hospitals in Mosul city using a questionnaire. Results: The results revealed that 58% of the couples who participated in the study had moderate pieces of knowledge about infertility, and 42% had inadequate knowledge, 60.9% of the couples who participated in the study had a positive attitude, 36.2% had a neutral attitude, and 2.9% of them had a negative attitude toward infertility disease. Conclusion: This study concludes that most of the couples who took part in the study had been married for more than 5 years, and over half of them had an average understanding of infertility and a positive attitude toward it.

Breaking the Silence: Uncovering Factors Delaying Timely Initiation of Fertility Treatment among Infertile Couples

Breaking the Silence: Uncovering Factors Delaying Timely Initiation of Fertility Treatment among Infertile Couples

Son Preference among Infertile Couples at the Fertility Clinic of Two Tertiary Hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria.

Son preference is known to be prevalent in developing countries and has dire consequences for the family, particularly girls and women. It is speculated that the prevalence of son preference may be high among fertility clinic attendees, and that son preference may be the reason for seeking fertility care in Nigeria. To determine the prevalence and risk factors for son preference among fertility seekers in Enugu, Nigeria. Questionnaire-based cross-sectional study of fertility clinic attendees from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla Enugu and the Pink Petals Fertility Clinic Enugu from April 1 to September 30, 2023. Eligible and consenting participants were interviewed. Data collection was with a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire, which contained three sections: biodata, obstetrics and gynecological data and 3-point son preference questions. The proportion of those who scored 3 (son preference) was documented. The analysis was both descriptive and inferential using IBM SPSS statistics for Windows, version 22.0 Armonk, NY, USA: IBM Corp. Of the 422 participants interviewed, 416 (98.6%) completed the study with a nonresponse rate of 6 (1.4%). The overall prevalence of son preference was 10.1% (42/416) and all 42 (10.1%) were in the clinic to have a male baby. The risk factors for son preference were less than tertiary education (P < 0.001, adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 6.46, confidence interval [CI] 2.79-14.98) and family pressure to have a male baby (P = 0.03, AOR = 3.41, CI 1.72-7.13). One in 10 couples who attend an infertility clinic in Enugu, Nigeria, has a preference for son, and having a male child is the sole purpose of such a visit. Being under family pressure and not having tertiary education were the predictive risk factors for son preference in the study population.

Effects of Religious Versus Non-religious Self-compassion Interventions on Anxiety and Quality of Life of Iranian Infertile Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Anxiety is one of the common psychological problems among infertile women, which affects their quality of life. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of self-compassion intervention based on a religious and non-religious perspective regardingthe anxiety and quality of life of infertile women. A randomized clinical trial design with experimental and control groups was used. A total of 78 infertile women who lived in Yazd province, Iran, were referred to Yazd reproductive sciences institute, were selected by available sampling and randomly assigned to two experimental and one control groups. The participants of the first experimental group received eight sessions of self-compassion-focused intervention based on religious instructions. The second experimental group received eight sessions of non-religious self-compassion intervention, while the control group was put on the waiting list. Data were collected using Quality of Life in Infertile Couples Questionnaire (QOLICQ) and Beck anxiety inventory (BDI) in the pretest, posttest and 2-month follow-up phases and then analyzed using repeated measures as well as one-way analysis of variance. The results showed as compared to control group at the posttest and follow-up phases, the quality of life (p < 0.001) and anxiety (p < 0.001) of infertile women increased and decreased, respectively, across both experimental groups. Comparison of experimental groups showed that although the difference between the two groups in the subscales of social relationships and sexual satisfaction was not significant, the gain scores of quality of life and anxiety were significantly greater in the first experimental group. These findings indicate that given the religious background of infertile women, religious self-compassion intervention can be relatively more effective in improving the quality of life and anxiety of infertile women than non-religious intervention.

Life Quality and Spiritual Intellect in Infertile Couples

Life Quality and Spiritual Intellect in Infertile Couples

Predicting Commitment of Married Women based on Emotional Intimacy, Cognitive Flexibility, and Irrational Beliefs of Infertile Couples in Arak City in the 2021:A Cross-sectional Study

Aim The present study aims to predict the commitment of infertile married women based on some cognitive and emotional variables. Background Marriage is the most important contract in every person's life. A marriage consists of several elements, such as commitment, marital satisfaction, and communication. In infertile couples, the values of their marriage and how much they want to maintain may be at risk. Objectives The present study wants to predict the commitment of infertile women based on emotional intimacy, cognitive flexibility, and irrational beliefs of infertile couples in Arak City in 2021. Methods The current research was conducted using a cross-sectional correlation method. Finally, 100 participants filled out the questionnaires. Convenience sampling was performed at Royan Infertility Clinic. The data were analyzed using t-test, Pearson and Chi-square tests. Results The results of the main outcome showed that higher levels of intimacy between couples lead to higher levels of commitment in married life (r=0.25, p=0.012). There is also an inverse relationship between couples' commitment and irrational beliefs in infertile couples, according to which more irrational beliefs lead to less commitment. However, there was no relationship between the commitment of infertile couples and psychological flexibility. Conclusion The marital commitment of infertile couples can be strengthened by increasing their intimacy and reducing their irrational beliefs.

Anxiety and Depression Symptoms among Infertile Couples Undergoing ART in Latvia: A Cross-Sectional Non-Randomized Single-Centre Study

Anxiety and Depression Symptoms among Infertile Couples Undergoing ART in Latvia: A Cross-Sectional Non-Randomized Single-Centre Study

Psychometric Measurement of Fertility-related Quality of Life across Gender in Primary Infertile Couples.

Psychometric Measurement of Fertility-related Quality of Life across Gender in Primary Infertile Couples.

Russian Regional Differences in Allele Frequencies of CFTR Gene Variants: Genetic Monitoring of Infertile Couples.

A male factor, commonly associated with poor semen quality, is revealed in about 50% of infertile couples. CFTR gene (Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conduction Regulator) variants are one of the common genetic causes of azoospermia-related male infertility. Notably, the spectrum and frequency of pathogenic CFTR variants vary between populations and geographical regions. In this work, we made an attempt to evaluate the allele frequency (AF) of 12 common CFTR variants in infertile Russian men and healthy individuals from different districts of Russia. Because of the limited number of population-based studies on Russian individuals, we characterized the population AFs based on data from the Registry of Russian cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. In addition to the CF patient registry, we estimated the local frequencies of the same set of variants based on the results of genotyping of CF patients in local biocollections (from St. Petersburg and Yugra regions). AFs of common CFTR variants calculated based on registry and biocollection data showed good concordance with directly measured population AFs. The estimated region-specific frequencies of CFTR variants allowed us to uncover statistically significant regional differences in the frequencies of the F508del (c.1521_1523del; p.Phe508del) and CFTRdele2,3(21kb) (c.54-5940_273+10250del21kb; p.Ser18ArgfsX) variants. The data from population-based studies confirmed previous observations that F508del, CFTRdele2,3(21kb), and L138ins (c.413_415dup; p.Leu138dup)variants are the most abundant among infertile patients, and their frequencies are significantly lower in healthy individuals and should be taken into account during genetic monitoring of the reproductive health of Russian individuals.

Prevalence of Depression among Infertile Couples Attending a Tertiary-Care Infertility Clinic

BACKGROUND: A large number of people are affected by infertility in their life time indicating that this is a major health challenge globally. Infertility is currently being thought-about as a medical and social condition which can cause social, emotional and psychological distress. It is estimated that psychological factors have an important role in the pathogenesis of infertility. Although depression has been described as a common consequence of infertility, very little has been documented related to its prevalence and severity, especially in India. This might be because those who fall outside the normal range of depression inventories are poorly reported or because of the fact that the psychological impact of infertility differs from that due to other medical conditions. Addressing the psychological issues during infertility treatment is now considered important. This is because of the increasing awareness that depression could be the cause of infertility, its consequence, or both and may interfere success of infertility treatment and the ability to tolerate on-going treatment. Treatments for infertility have effects on estrogen and progesterone levels. These hormones influence mood of the woman through their actions on serotonin. On the other hand emotional distress itself can suppress ovarian function or implantation resulting in decreased fertility and reduced response to its treatment. This interaction creates a vicious circle between depression and infertile status and can result in treatment dropouts or treatment failure. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression among infertile couples attending a tertiary care infertility clinic. METHODS: A Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted and a calculated sample of 126 couples with infertility attending the infertility clinic were consecutively enrolled into the study after obtaining consent. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire and depression was assessed using PHQ9 depression tool. A couple was considered to have depression if at least one of the partners had depression. Data was analysed using SPSS version 16. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean and standard deviation and qualitative variables as proportions. Chi-square test of independence and Fisher's Exact Test were used to test the association between categorical variables. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression among infertile couples was 51.6 %( n=65). Depression was more prevalent in females (48.4% n=61) than in males (33.3% n=42) and when the reason for infertility was female-related. There was a significant risk of development of depression when the other partner had depression (p=0.001, Odds ratio=25.196). CONCLUSION: Females are often blamed for childlessness especially in rural India resulting in an increased prevalence of depression among infertile females. Efforts should be taken to educate people about infertility so that there is less pressure on infertile couples. Counseling methods, especially supportive psychotherapy and interventions to decrease and prevent the development of severe depression among these patients should be considered.

#24 : The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Levels of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Among Infertile Couples. A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Aims: Many infertile couples require assisted conception and success rate depends on patient’s age. Hence, time is a huge factor. Therefore, due to postponement of fertility services and fear of COVID-19 during the pandemic, we hypothesized that these couple would experience a heightened level of stress, anxiety and depression. Method: This cross-sectional study was done in the reproductive unit, University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, between July 16, 2021, and December 17, 2021. 165 patients were included in the final analysis. Couples who were planned for fertility treatment were recruited and asked to answer an anonymous electronic survey that contained depression, anxiety, and stress scales (DASS-21). Results: From univariate analysis, stress was found to be significant in 20–30-year-old, Chinese patients, degree and postgraduate degree holders, patients with endometriosis, and those that have had infertility for 5 years. Anxiety was significant in 20–30-year-old, males, Chinese and Indian patients, diploma, degree, and postgraduate degree holders, and couples with infertility for at least 5 years and between 5–10 years. Depression was also prevalent among males, Chinese and Indian patients, degree holders, and patients with endometriosis. Multivariate logistic regression was subsequently performed, taking into account potential confounders in the prediction of clinically significant psychological distress. Mild 1.3E7 (2.2E6-8.0E7), p = 0.001 and moderate 2.7E7 (4.9E6-1.4E8), p = 0.001 stress levels were found to be significant among the 20–30-year-old age group. Other background variables, however, did not contribute significantly to the psychological distress. Conclusion: Disruption of fertility treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a significant psychological impact on patients’ mental health, especially among the younger age group. Psychological assessment and counselling should be mandatory if there are prolonged unscheduled disruption in provision of fertility treatment to infertile couples.

Relationship Between Dyadic Coping with Anxiety and Depression in Infertile Couples: Gender Differences and Dyadic Interaction

Relationship Between Dyadic Coping with Anxiety and Depression in Infertile Couples: Gender Differences and Dyadic Interaction

#180 : Exploring the Understanding and Attitudes of Infertile Couples: An Insightful Survey from Five Central Java Hospitals

Background and Aims: In Indonesia, infertility is not only a medical issue but also a significant social problem. Childlessness often carries a stigma of failure, victimizing couples. This research aims to enhance our understanding of the health-seeking behavior patterns of infertility patients and their access to infertility treatment in Indonesia. Additionally, we aim to examine the factors contributing to difficulties in accessing infertility clinics for couples and analyze the impact of education level, gender, and culture on these challenges. Method: This research employs a cross-sectional study design. An interviewer-administered survey was conducted with 250 male and female infertility patients recruited from five hospitals in Central Java between April and June 2023. Participants were self-selected, and the data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. Subjects were handpicked and not chosen randomly. Inclusion criteria: women and men aged 20-45 years, experiencing infertility problems for more than a year, willingness to be interviewed, actively seeking infertility treatment, capable of participating in interviews, and not currently undergoing an IVF program. Exclusion criteria: malignant disease, ongoing moderate IVF program, and pregnancy. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25. Results: In the univariate analysis, a significant relationship was found between gender differences and access to infertility services in aspects of discrimination (p=0.006), culture (p=0.006), gender sensitivity (p=0.027), and understanding (p=0.013). However, the multivariate analysis significantly associated only discrimination (p=0.037; OR=4.33) and understanding (p=0.021; OR=5.63). This research is still ongoing. Conclusion: Female infertility patients experience more discrimination related to their infertility and possess a greater understanding of infertility and access to infertility services than male infertility patients. The infertility conditions cause women to face more discrimination than men, leading them to be more inclined to seek solutions, such as infertility services. In addition, an increased understanding of infertility makes women more likely to access infertility services.

Anxiety and Depression among Infertile Couples Undergoing Invitro Fertilization Treatment in Erbil City

Background and objectives: Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide and is a major public health problem. It is identified as a significant psychosocial crisis and a pathological state. The most prevalent psychological responses in infertile couples are anxiety and depression. This study aimed to assess the status of anxiety and depression symptoms in infertile couples attending IVF centers in Erbil City. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in two private IVF centers for infertility diagnosis and treatment at Sardam and Hawler Private Hospitals in Erbil City, Kurdistan Region, from 1st September 2021 to 1st November 2022. A non-probability (convenience) sampling technique was used on 150 infertile couples. Data were collected through the interview method by using data collection tools including a socio-demographic part and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HADS). Results: The results of the present study revealed that 58% of the participants were between the ages of 29-39 years old, and 23.7% of husbands had self-Jobs, whereas wives, (26 %) were housewives, and the highest percentage of husbands and wives (14%) and (15%) graduated from university. The family income of the majority of couples was ≥1000,000IQD per month. The highest proportion 35.7% were married between 6-10 years. Levels of anxiety in wives were (13.3% mild, 16% moderate, and 7.3% severe) compared with (11%, 11%, and 6%) levels of anxiety among husbands. Wives had 17.7% mild,6.3% moderate, and 3.7% severe depression compared with 18%,3%, and 3 % depression levels in husbands. Anxiety levels were higher in wives than in husbands but no significant difference was shown for depression. Conclusion: The study found that infertile couples receiving IVF treatment had a higher proportion of anxiety and depression symptoms, which could have negative effects on treatment for couples seeking assisted conception. According to the study, couples' psychosocial intervention should be a key .......

Pregnancy and Urban Environment (PRUNE) Cohort Profile and Built Environment in Infertile Couples

Pregnancy and Urban Environment (PRUNE) Cohort Profile and Built Environment in Infertile Couples

Investigating the Relationship between Spiritual Intelligence and Resilience in Infertile Couples in Isfahan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Infertility is a psychological crisis for a couple, spouse, and their families. Due to the positive effects of spiritual intelligence on the positive adaptation and growth of the individual under difficult circumstances, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between spiritual intelligence and resilience in infertile couples in Isfahan. This cross-sectional study was performed in 2020 on 162 infertile couples. Data were collected by the convenience sampling method from infertile couples referring to Infertility Centers in Isfahan through two standard questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistical methods for quantitative variables. The relationship between spiritual intelligence and resilience score was investigated using inferential statistical methods of Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. The results showed that the mean age Standard Deviation (SD) of women and their spouses was 32.01 (5.86) and 36.30 (5.82) years, respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficient showed that there was a significant positive direct relationship between resilience score with total spiritual intelligence score (r = 0.36, p < 0.001) and its dimensions Critical Existential Thinking (CET) (r = 0.60, p < 0.001), personal meaning production (PMP) (r = 0.38, p < 0.001), Transcendental Awareness (TA) (r = 0.43, p < 0.001), and Conscious State Expansion (CSE) (r = 0.53, p < 0.001). The PMP (t = 6.38, p < 0.001) and the CSE (t = 2.15, p = 0.03) were significant predictors of resilience scores. The result of our study showed that couples with a higher level of spiritual intelligence had a better understanding of the problems and harms of primary infertility and would cope with it more efficiently.