Infertility-related Stress Research Articles

Relationships between work-family conflict, infertility-related stress, resilience and social support in patients undergoing infertility treatment

ABSTRACT Fertility treatments can be physically and psychologically exhausting for those who do it due to high expectations and possible frustration with the negative results. Moreover, it demands time and high financial investment, which are sometimes stressful factors for the working patient. Two aspects that can ease this context are resilience and social support. The present article aims to investigate the levels of work-family conflict in individuals undergoing infertility treatment and their associations with stress, resilience, and social support. The survey of 242 patients addressed sociodemographic data, Infertility-Related Stress Scale-Brazil (IRSS-BP), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 10 (CD-RISC 10), Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), and Work-Family Conflict Scale. Data were analyzed using R (4.3.2). Findings suggest that the level of Work-Family Conflict is higher in men (p = 0.020). The scale is also positively associated with Infertility Stress and negatively correlated with Resilience and Social Support.

Perceived Control, Marital Satisfaction, Social Support and Infertility Related Stress: A Mediated Moderation

Infertility can be a significant source of stress, affecting not only individuals but also their relationships and overall well-being. This study examines the relationship between perceived control, marital satisfaction, social support and infertility-related Stress in women seeking fertility treatment. A correlational research design with a non-probability purposive sampling strategy was used. One hundred ten diagnosed infertile women were recruited at age 35 years and above. The Urdu version of all scales was administered for pilot testing to 10 diagnosed infertile women taken from Government hospitals in Lahore. For statistical analysis, SPSS version 26 was used to analyze the data by applying mediated moderation by process macro and independent sample t-test. A total of 110 responses were received. The overall perceived control score was found to be 12.10 ± 6.53, marital satisfaction score of 10.40 ±5.24, social support score of 10.92 ±4.62 and infertility related Stress score of 55.91 ±7.90. Perceived control has a significant impact on infertility-related Stress (β=-.81***). The overall difference in perceived control score (p<0.05) marital satisfaction score(p<0.05) and infertility-related Stress score (p<0.05) in employed and unemployed women was also significant. Overall, perceived control has a direct relationship with marital satisfaction and with infertility-related Stress. The interaction between marital satisfaction and social support (MS*SS) is also significant. Significant employment differences in perceived control, marital satisfaction, and infertility-related Stress were found. Implications for therapeutic interventions and support programs for women facing infertility are discussed, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to mental health and relational well-being in this context.

Infertility-related stress is associated with quality of life through negative emotions among infertile outpatients

Infertility is not a fatal disease but it really produces infertility-related stress and affects individuals’ quality of life to a great extent. This study aims to investigate the relations among infertility-related stress, negative emotions and quality of life in infertile outpatients, and suppose gender difference as well as Dark Triad, which contained three dark personality traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, would moderate the relations. 105 infertile outpatients age range 20–49 completed a cross-sectional questionnaire on the Fertility Quality of Life scale, the Fertility Problem Inventory, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale a the Chinese version of Dirty Dozen. Results showed that negative emotions mediated the relations between infertility-related stress and quality of life. Dark Triad could not moderate the relations between infertility-related stress, negative emotions, and quality of life, but gender can moderate the associations between infertility-related stress and negative emotions. Specifically, the association between infertility-related stress and negative emotions was stronger in men than in women. Infertility-related stress has direct and indirect effects on infertile outpatients’ quality of life. It is important to consider the important roles of emotions and gender difference between patients, and delivering targeted intervention programs.

The role of infertility-related stress and sexist beliefs in anxiety symptoms in infertility couples

ABSTRACT It is necessary to continue identifying the predictors of anxiety symptoms in men and women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), especially from a psychosocial perspective. For this reason, this study evaluated a mediation model that demonstrates the effect of various stressors related to infertility, as well as the variables of sex, age, social support, and sexist beliefs, on anxiety symptoms. The sample of this cross-sectional study consisted of 215 infertility patients (146 women and 69 men) undergoing ART and residing in Spain. The Inventory of Infertility Problems (FPI) was used, which measures five stressors related to infertility (social, sexual and relationship concerns, rejection of a child-free lifestyle and need for parenthood). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI) were also used. Being women and perceiving less social support was associated with higher anxiety symptoms, due to the mediated effect of social, sexual and relationships concerns. Higher levels of sexist beliefs were related to greater concern about the relationship, greater rejection of a childless lifestyle and greater need for parenting. This pioneering research in Spain identifies factors predisposing to anxiety in ART patients. This evidence should be considered in infertility research and clinical practice.

The effectiveness of expressive art therapy on infertile women undergoing surgery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundInfertility produces infertility-related stress in both members of infertile couples, especially for infertile women. Some studies verified the negative relationship between infertility-related stress and outcomes of infertility treatments. Effective mental health care during fertility treatment is urgently needed, but there has been a lack of efficient support services. To reduce the infertility-related stress of infertile women, expressive art therapeutic schemes will be organized and implemented by certified international expressive art therapists.MethodsThis study is a randomized controlled trial. Participants in the intervention group will receive expressive art therapies after the baseline investigation. Expressive art therapies will be led by the certified international expressive art therapist. The interventions include progressive muscle relaxation training, music meditation and drawing therapy. Participants in the control group will receive routine care. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI) will be used to investigate the anxiety, depression, and infertility-related stress of all participants at admission and at discharge.DiscussionThis study will verify the effectiveness and efficiency of expressive art therapies for infertile women. The results will provide new knowledge on mental health care strategies for infertile women.Trial registrationChiCTR, ChiCTR2300070618. Registered 14 April 2023.

Predictive Association between Perceived Social Support and Infertility-Related Stress in Married Couples in Pakistan

Predictive Association between Perceived Social Support and Infertility-Related Stress in Married Couples in Pakistan

The Stigma and Infertility-Related Stress of Chinese Infertile Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study was conducted to investigate the stigma status of infertile women in China and to determine the influencing factors. 366 infertile women from the gynecological and reproductive departments of two tertiary hospitals completed socio-demographic questionnaires, the Infertility Stigma Scale (ISS) and the Mandarin Fertility Problem Inventory (M-FPI). The scores of stigma and infertility-related stress in infertile women were (52.51 ± 17.74) and (150.03 ± 17.51), respectively. Multiple regression analysis found that location of residence, regarding children as the most important thing in life, talking to others about infertility and infertility-related stress were the main influencing factors of stigma in infertile women, which explained 17.3% of the total variance. In the current study, the level of stigma in women with infertility was at the middle range. Location of residence, regarding children as the most important thing in life, whether to talk with others about infertility and infertility-related stress were the four main influencing factors of stigma.

Relationship between stigma and infertility-related stress among couples undergoing AID: The mediating role of communication patterns.

Infertility can be stressful for infertile couples. This study aims to examine the intra-dyadic associations between stigma, communication patterns, and infertility-related stress in couples undergoing artificial insemination by donor semen (AID). This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2021. Two hundred and three couples undergoing AID were recruited from a reproductive centre in China. All of the couples completed a two-item stigma questionnaire, Communication Pattern Questionnaire, and Fertility Problem Inventory. The actor-partner interdependence mediation analysis was performed using AMOS 23.0. The analysis demonstrated significant actor-actor effects for couples undergoing AID. More specifically, higher levels of stigma among wives and husbands were associated with more negative communication patterns, thereby increasing their own infertility-related stress. Simultaneously, there was a significant partner-actor effect among infertile wives, demonstrating that the husband's stigma can affect his wife's infertility-related stress by influencing her communication patterns. Couples undergoing AID experience increased infertility-related stress when they have high levels of stigma and negative communication patterns, and husbands' stigma is correlated to wives' communication patterns. Therefore, dyadic interventions aiming to improving stigma and enhancing positive communication may be conducive to reducing infertility-related stress.

Effect of Peer Group Counselling on Infertility-Related Stress and Marital Satisfaction among Women Undergoing Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection.

Effect of Peer Group Counselling on Infertility-Related Stress and Marital Satisfaction among Women Undergoing Intra-Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection.

Infertility-related stress, quality of life, and reasons for fertility treatment discontinuation among US women: A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveFertility treatments often cause women high levels of stress and low quality of life (QoL). Women discontinue fertility treatments for a variety of reasons, yet little is known about infertility-related stress and QoL among women who discontinue treatments. The purpose of this study was to examine infertility-related stress and QoL among women who discontinued fertility treatments compared to those who continued treatments, and reasons for treatment discontinuation. MethodsA secondary analysis was conducted to examine infertility-related stress and QoL among 70 women who discontinued from fertility treatments compared to 166 women who received fertility treatments. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square test for independence, independent t-tests, and binary logistic regression analysis. Conventional content analysis was conducted on responses to an open-text question about reasons for treatment discontinuation. ResultsNo differences in infertility-related stress and QoL were found between groups. Explanatory variables of treatment discontinuation included income [odds ratios (OR) 2.50, 95% CI 1.12–5.61], QoL dissatisfaction (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.33–4.69), and infertility duration three years or greater (OR 2.40, 95% CI 1.30–4.42). Three themes of treatment discontinuation were identified: Covering the Cost; Waiting for a Resolution; Re-envisioning Family Identity. ConclusionInfertility-related stress and QoL are similar among women who discontinued and who received fertility treatments, highlighting the need for emotional support services for women regardless of their treatment status. During the period of infertility, treatment discontinuation related to cost, waiting for a resolution, or re-envisioning family identity occurred, suggesting opportunities for specific interventions to support women’s mental health needs.

(107) “Can Sexual Dysfunction and Stress in Couples Attempting Conception Be Explained by the Ovulation Calculator?” An Evaluation Study

Abstract Introduction Stress and sexual dysfunction affect a significant portion of couples seeking conception, leading to emotional strain. We hypothesized that ovulation calculators, widely used as a tool to predict fertile days, may play a role in the stress experienced by couples undergoing fertility treatments. We evaluated the impact of ovulation calculators on stress levels in couples seeking fertility treatment and explored the associations with sexual dysfunction and mental health implications due to the stress of infertility. Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of ovulation calculators on stress levels in couples seeking fertility treatment and to explore the associations with sexual dysfunction and mental health implications due to the stress of infertility. Methods Participants were recruited from the University of Miami Health System Clinics. Fifty couples consulting for infertility were included in the study. Both partners were asked to complete anonymous self-reported surveys consisting of validated questions related to stress levels, sexual function, and the use of ovulation calculators. The surveys included the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for females and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for males to assess sexual function. Additionally, the Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI) was used to measure fertility-related stress and distress. The data collected included age, duration of attempts to conceive, and responses to stress-related questions. Results A total of 50 couples who we reattempting conception completed the cross-sectional study with all the questionnaires were included in the study. Whether or not they were using ovulation calculators, women scored similarly in the 4 variables of the FSFI, including Arousal, Orgasm, Satisfaction, and Lubrication. When evaluating IIEF scores for Male Erectile Function, the average score of men tracking ovulation was 12.0 ± 4.8, compared to 11.5 ± 5.4 in male patients who were not (P-Value: 0.81). The results showed no statistically significant difference in stress levels between couples who used ovulation calculators and those who did not. However, both male and female participants reported higher levels of sexual dysfunction in couples experiencing higher stress levels due to infertility. Fertility-related stress was also found to be significantly associated with mental health implications, with increased anxiety and depression reported by couples undergoing fertility treatments. Conclusions The findings suggest that the use of ovulation calculators did not significantly influence the stress experienced by couples seeking fertility treatment. However, the study highlights the significant impact of infertility-related stress on sexual function and mental health in both male and female partners. These results emphasize the importance of addressing the psychological aspects of infertility and providing comprehensive support to couples undergoing fertility treatments. Further research is warranted to explore the complex interplay between ovulation calculator usage, infertility-related stress, sexual dysfunction, and mental health implications in couples seeking to conceive. Healthcare providers should consider incorporating mental health support into fertility treatment programs to optimize patient outcomes and overall well-being. Disclosure No.

Infertility-Related Stress, and Dyadic Coping as Predictors of Quality of Life: Gender Differences Among Couples with Infertility Issues.

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between infertility-related stress and dyadic coping with quality of life (QoL) in couples with infertility issues, and verify gender differences and dyadic interactions in the associations between them. This cross-sectional study included 340 couples who were recruited from the First Affiliated Hospital of Lanzhou University between March 2022 and November 2022. The Fertility Problem Inventory, Dyadic Coping Inventory and FertiQoL were used to measure infertility-related stress, dyadic coping and QoL. The Actor-Partner Interdependence Model was used to analyze the effects of infertility-related stress and dyadic coping on the couple's own QoL (actor effect) as well as on their partner's QoL (partner effect). Female patients perceived significantly lower levels of QoL and dyadic coping than those of husbands. There was no statistically significant difference in the infertility-related stress between wives and husbands. Husbands' infertility-related stress had actor and partner effects on their own and their wives' QoL, while wives' infertility-related stress only had an actor effect on their own QoL. Husbands' dyadic coping had both actor effect and partner effects on their own and their wives' QoL, meanwhile wives' dyadic coping had both actor effect and partner effects on their own and their husbands' QoL. Husbands' QoL was impacted by their own infertility-related stress, dyadic coping and their wives' dyadic coping. Whereas wives' QoL was influenced by infertility-related stress and dyadic coping from both their own and their spouses. Therefore, elevating the level of dyadic coping may contribute to improving QoL for both husbands and wives. Moreover, enhancing the ability to cope with infertility-related stress might be useful for husbands and indirectly contribute to wives' QoL.

Efficacy of Psychological Counselling in India for Couples with Infertility During Art Treatment - A Systematic Review

Primary infertility is a major crisis, triggering negative impact on psychological aspects among couples in treatment. Globally, psychological counselling is advocated as a supportive model in alleviating psychological distress during Assisted Reproductive Technology Treatment (ART). The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the available evidence from India on the effects of psychological counselling intervention among couples taking ART treatment due to primary infertility. A total of sixtynine studies were identified from PubMed, Google scholar, Science Direct and electronic databases from the beginning of May 2022. Out of sixty-nine relevant articles, a total of five doctoral theses and one original article were systematically reviewed and included based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Five doctoral research work and one original article involving 2082 samples of primary infertile women and men were included for the present systematic review. All the reviewed studies have shown that infertile women and men in the intervention group experienced improvement in infertility related stress, depression, anxiety, coping ability and marital understanding. Overall, our finding suggests that there is not much research conducted in India to find the effect of psychological counselling. Due to the lack of pertinent studies from India, more indigenous studies with sound methodology are necessary to draw definitive conclusion about the need for psychological counselling during ART treatment.

Infertility-related stress, life satisfaction, and coping attitudes in Turkish infertile women: a cross-sectional study

Infertility-related stress, life satisfaction, and coping attitudes in Turkish infertile women: a cross-sectional study

Psychosocial wellbeing shortly after allocation to a freeze-all strategy compared with a fresh transfer strategy in women and men: a sub-study of a randomized controlled trial.

Psychosocial wellbeing shortly after allocation to a freeze-all strategy compared with a fresh transfer strategy in women and men: a sub-study of a randomized controlled trial.

Infertility-related stress and its relationship with emotional divorce among Iranian infertile people

BackgroundInfertility affects different aspects of couples’ lives, so it may cause problems in couples’ emotional relationships by increasing marital conflicts. This study aimed to determine Infertility-related stress and its relationship with emotional divorce among Iranian infertile people.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional observational study on 200 infertile people. The research environment was one of the well-equipped infertility centers in Tehran, Iran. Continuous sampling was employed. The data collection tools included a general information form, the Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI), and the Emotional Divorce Scale (EDS).ResultsThe findings revealed a significant direct relationship between infertility-related stress and all its subscales with emotional divorce in both infertile women and men. In infertile women, the most concern was the need for parenthood, while the lowest concerns were the relationship and sexual concerns. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that social and relationship concerns predicted 44% of emotional divorce, with social concern being the more influential factor. In infertile men, the need for parenthood was the most significant concern, while relationship and social concerns were less prominent. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that relationship concern predicted 50% of emotional divorce in infertile men. In both infertile men and women, social and relationship concerns explained 45% of the variance in emotional divorce. Among these two variables, relationship concern had a more impact in predicting emotional divorce. Also, there was no statistically significant difference between women and men regarding infertility-related stress and its subscales, except for sexual concern.ConclusionThe study highlights the importance of the need for parenthood as a main concern among infertile individuals. Increased infertility-related stress and its subscales contribute to higher levels of emotional divorce among this population. Additionally, relationship concern was the lowest concern in infertile people. But it significantly predicts emotional divorce among infertile individuals.

The Impact of Ovulation Calculators on the Stress Levels of Fertility-Seeking Couples: An Evaluation Study.

Introduction Infertility affects a significant portion of couples seeking pregnancy, leading to stress and emotional strain. Ovulation calculators, widely used as a tool to predict fertile days, may play a role in the stress experienced by couples undergoing fertility treatments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of ovulation calculators on the stress levels of couples seeking fertility. Methods Participants were recruited from the University of Miami Health System Clinics. Fifty couples consulting for infertility were asked to participate in the study and complete anonymous self-reported surveys. The surveys consisted of validated questions related to stress levels and the use of ovulation calculators. The completed surveys were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The data collected included age, number of years trying to conceive, and answers to questions related to stress levels and the use of ovulation calculators. Responses from 50 couples who met the inclusion criteria were included in the final analysis. Results A total of 50 couples who wereattempting conception and who completed all the questionnaires were included in the study. Whether or not they were using ovulation calculators, females scored similarly in the four variables of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), including arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, and lubrication. When evaluating International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)scores for male erectile function, the average score of males tracking ovulation was 12.0 ± 4.8, compared to 11.5 ± 5.4 in male patients who were not (P = 0.81). The results showed no statistically significant difference in stress levels between couples who used ovulation calculators and those who did not. However, in couples experiencing higher stress levels due to infertility, both male and female participants reported higher levels of sexual dysfunction. Fertility-related stress was also found to be significantly associated with mental health implications, with increased anxiety and depression reported by couples undergoing fertility treatments. Conclusion The findings suggest that the use of ovulation calculators did not significantly influence the stress experienced by couples seeking fertility treatment. However, the study highlights the significant impact of infertility-related stress on sexual function and mental health in both male and female partners. These results emphasize the importance of addressing the psychological aspects of infertility and providing comprehensive support to couples undergoing fertility treatments. Further research is warranted to explore the complex interplay between ovulation calculator usage, infertility-related stress, sexual dysfunction, and mental health implications in couples seeking to conceive. Healthcare providers should consider incorporating mental health support into fertility treatment programs to optimize patient outcomes and overall well-being.

IMPACT OF INFERTILITY-RELATED STRESS AND FAMILY AND SOCIAL SUPPORT ON MARITAL SATISFACTION OF INFERTILE INDIVIDUALS

Although infertility is a medical problem, however, the phenomenon is widely researched. With each passing day, infertile individuals undergo various personal and social challenges. Particularly, family pressure to carry on the progeny creates an unmounted pressure which ultimately affects their marital union. These factors altogether create an unprecedented scenario for their marital life. Considering this, the present research aimed to assess how family and social support could help in reducing the mounting infertility-related stress. Infertile individuals were approached at their offices, homes, as well as at infertility centres in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Attock using snowball and purposive sampling techniques. The participants were invited to complete a set of questionnaires including Fertility Problem Inventory, ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Hypotheses testing revealed non-significant association of family and social support with both infertility-related stress and marital satisfaction. However, family support (subscale) had positive association with infertility-related stress and negative association with marital satisfaction. Similarly, marital union of married individuals was negatively affected by stress due to infertility. However, infertility-related stress accounted for 7% variance in marital satisfaction. The study further found non-significant moderating role of family and social support between infertility-related stress and marital satisfaction. These results provided a baseline for future studies in Pakistan, in exploration of indigenous protective factors against marital dissatisfaction among infertile individuals. The present study further highlighted the importance and appropriateness of family support for childless individual. From the current study, the conclusion can be drawn that the family members (specifically in collectivistic cultures) should be consciously careful regarding their involvement in the intimate affairs (such as infertility) of the married individuals which otherwise could have detrimental effects instead of positive impacts on infertile individuals.

IMPACT OF INFERTILITY-RELATED STRESS AND FAMILY AND SOCIAL SUPPORT ON MARITAL SATISFACTION OF INFERTILE INDIVIDUALS

Although infertility is a medical problem, however, the phenomenon is widely researched. With each passing day, infertile individuals undergo various personal and social challenges. Particularly, family pressure to carry on the progeny creates an unmounted pressure which ultimately affects their marital union. These factors altogether create an unprecedented scenario for their marital life. Considering this, the present research aimed to assess how family and social support could help in reducing the mounting infertility-related stress. Infertile individuals were approached at their offices, homes, as well as at infertility centres in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Attock using snowball and purposive sampling techniques. The participants were invited to complete a set of questionnaires including Fertility Problem Inventory, ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Hypotheses testing revealed non-significant association of family and social support with both infertility-related stress and marital satisfaction. However, family support (subscale) had positive association with infertility-related stress and negative association with marital satisfaction. Similarly, marital union of married individuals was negatively affected by stress due to infertility. However, infertility-related stress accounted for 7% variance in marital satisfaction. The study further found non-significant moderating role of family and social support between infertility-related stress and marital satisfaction. These results provided a baseline for future studies in Pakistan, in exploration of indigenous protective factors against marital dissatisfaction among infertile individuals. The present study further highlighted the importance and appropriateness of family support for childless individual. From the current study, the conclusion can be drawn that the family members (specifically in collectivistic cultures) should be consciously careful regarding their involvement in the intimate affairs (such as infertility) of the married individuals which otherwise could have detrimental effects instead of positive impacts on infertile individuals.

IMPACT OF INFERTILITY-RELATED STRESS AND FAMILY AND SOCIAL SUPPORT ON MARITAL SATISFACTION OF INFERTILE INDIVIDUALS

Although infertility is a medical problem, however, the phenomenon is widely researched. With each passing day, infertile individuals undergo various personal and social challenges. Particularly, family pressure to carry on the progeny creates an unmounted pressure which ultimately affects their marital union. These factors altogether create an unprecedented scenario for their marital life. Considering this, the present research aimed to assess how family and social support could help in reducing the mounting infertility-related stress. Infertile individuals were approached at their offices, homes, as well as at infertility centres in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Attock using snowball and purposive sampling techniques. The participants were invited to complete a set of questionnaires including Fertility Problem Inventory, ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Hypotheses testing revealed non-significant association of family and social support with both infertility-related stress and marital satisfaction. However, family support (subscale) had positive association with infertility-related stress and negative association with marital satisfaction. Similarly, marital union of married individuals was negatively affected by stress due to infertility. However, infertility-related stress accounted for 7% variance in marital satisfaction. The study further found non-significant moderating role of family and social support between infertility-related stress and marital satisfaction. These results provided a baseline for future studies in Pakistan, in exploration of indigenous protective factors against marital dissatisfaction among infertile individuals. The present study further highlighted the importance and appropriateness of family support for childless individual. From the current study, the conclusion can be drawn that the family members (specifically in collectivistic cultures) should be consciously careful regarding their involvement in the intimate affairs (such as infertility) of the married individuals which otherwise could have detrimental effects instead of positive impacts on infertile individuals.