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Kelley EL, Kingsberg SA. Sexuality and Infertility. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2024; 51:311-322. [PMID: 38777486 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2024.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Infertility diagnoses and treatment can lead to psychological distress and relationship strain. Infertility is commonly associated with disruptions in sexual function and satisfaction among women, in part due to overlapping etiologic factors (eg, comorbid medical conditions). Women and couples with infertility should be screened for sexual problems and provided education on the relationship between infertility and sexuality. Sexual dysfunction in the context of infertility is often best addressed using an interdisciplinary approach. This article provides a summary on the relationship between sexuality and infertility and recommendations for the assessment and management of sexual dysfunction in women with infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika L Kelley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center; Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine; Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine; MacDonald Women's Hospital, Mailstop 5034, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| | - Sheryl A Kingsberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center; Department of Reproductive Biology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine; Department of Urology, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine; MacDonald Women's Hospital, Mailstop 5034, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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2
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Charifson M, Seok E, Wang Y, Mehta-Lee SS, Gordon R, Liu M, Trasande L, Kahn LG. Evaluating associations of bisphenol and phthalate exposure with time to pregnancy and subfecundity in a New York City pregnancy cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124281. [PMID: 38830524 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
It is important to understand the impact of consumer chemical exposure and fecundity, a couple's measure of probability of successful conception, given approximately 15% of couples experience infertility. Prior research has generally found null associations between bisphenol and phthalate exposure and fecundability, measured via time to pregnancy (TTP). However, this research has not been updated with current chemical exposures and have often lacked diversity in their study populations. We evaluated the associations between common bisphenol and phthalate chemical exposure groups and TTP as well as subfecundity (TTP>12 months) in the New York University Children's Health Study, a diverse pregnancy cohort from 2016 onward. Using first-trimester spot-urine samples to measure chemical exposure and self-reported TTP from first-trimester questionnaires, we observed a significant adverse association between total bisphenol exposure and certain phthalate groups on TTP and odds of subfecundity. Furthermore, in a mixtures analysis to explore the joint effects of the chemical groups on the outcomes, we found evidence of a potential interaction between total bisphenol exposure and low-molecular weight phthalates on TTP. Future research should continue to update our knowledge regarding the complex and potentially interacting effects of these chemicals on reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Charifson
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, NY, USA.
| | - Eunsil Seok
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Yuyan Wang
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Shilpi S Mehta-Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Health, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Gordon
- Division of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Mengling Liu
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, NY, USA
| | - Linda G Kahn
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, NY, USA
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Luo D, Zhouchen YB, Li L, Jiang YL, Liu Y, Redding SR, Wang R, Ouyang YQ. The Stigma and Infertility-Related Stress of Chinese Infertile Women: A Cross-Sectional Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1053. [PMID: 38891128 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12111053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to investigate the stigma status of infertile women in China and to determine the influencing factors. METHODS 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). RESULTS 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. CONCLUSIONS 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Luo
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | | | - Lu Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yu-Lei Jiang
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | | | - Rong Wang
- Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
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Le TTQ, Le NTH, Vu TA, Nguyen HH, Vuong LN. Perception of having children through surrogacy in individuals with MRKH in Vietnam: a qualitative study. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1372405. [PMID: 38770251 PMCID: PMC11102968 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1372405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH) is rare condition that has a negative impact on quality of life because affected women lack a uterus and vagina, and are therefore unable to engage in sexual intercourse and experience natural pregnancy. This study evaluated perceptions of surrogacy in Vietnamese women with MRKH who have started families. Method Women with MRKH who had undergone successful vaginal reconstruction, were married, and had started families participated in a semi-structured, in-depth, one-on-one online video interview with an experienced female psychologist. Open-ended questions were used to encourage participants to express their perceptions of surrogacy; prominent themes were discussed, compared, and combined. Results Twenty women (mean age 31 years) agreed to participate. Key themes identified from interviews were the importance of having genetic offspring, consideration of surrogacy as a preferred solution to infertility, the barriers to surrogacy in Vietnam, lack of reproductive information and counselling, individuals concealing their health condition, the impact of religion on the possibility of surrogacy, the economic cost of surrogacy, and the difficulty in finding a surrogate under the restrictions imposed by Vietnamese law. Discussion Based on the perceptions of women from MRKH from Vietnam, there is an opportunity to improve how infertility is managed in these people, including information about surrogacy. These data show that individuals with MRKH should be provided with information about the possibility of surrogacy, encouraged to be open and seek support, and be managed by a multidisciplinary team that includes psychological support; the provision of economic support for fertility treatments in women with MRKH should also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh T. Q. Le
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Tuan A. Vu
- Department of Laparoscopy, Tu Du Hospital, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
| | - Hoa H. Nguyen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Lan N. Vuong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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van Eickels D, Schick M, Germeyer A, Rösner S, Strowitzki T, Wischmann T, Ditzen B. Predictors of partnership and sexual satisfaction and dyadic effects in couples affected by endometriosis and infertility. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024:10.1007/s00404-024-07516-z. [PMID: 38705889 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07516-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Endometriosis and infertility are associated with impaired partnership and sexuality of the patients, but also of their male partners. Also, endometriosis is one of the most common causes of infertility, resulting in a large overlap of both pathologies. The aim of this study was to determine the association of different predictors of partnership and sexual satisfaction and dyadic effects in couples with endometriosis and infertility. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with n = 62 women with endometriosis and n = 46 partners, including a total of n = 44 couples, some of whom were affected by infertility. The questionnaire included items on partnership, sexuality, depression, social support, and desire for a child. Multiple linear regression and the actor-partner-interdependence-model were used for analysis. RESULTS Significant dyadic effects only occurred in couples with both endometriosis and infertility. Depression showed a significant negative actor effect in men for partnership satisfaction and a negative actor and partner effect in women for sexuality satisfaction (p < .05). For women, social support showed a significant positive actor effect for partnership satisfaction (p < .05), age showed a significant actor and partner effect for sexuality satisfaction (p < .05). CONCLUSION The results show a significant association of endometriosis and infertility with partnership and sexuality satisfaction. Infertility could be a decisive factor. However, the large overlapping of both endometriosis und infertility in many couples support the importance of further studies to differentiate between the both effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00014362 on the 29.03.2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah van Eickels
- Institute of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Maren Schick
- Institute of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ariane Germeyer
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg University Women's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Rösner
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg University Women's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Strowitzki
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders, Heidelberg University Women's Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tewes Wischmann
- Institute of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Beate Ditzen
- Institute of Medical Psychology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Kiani Z, Simbar M, Rashidi F, Zayeri F, Banaderakhsh H. The quality of life of men experiencing infertility: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1236. [PMID: 38705989 PMCID: PMC11070083 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18758-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men experiencing infertility encounter numerous problems at the individual, family, and social levels as well as quality of life (QOL). This study was designed to investigate the QOL of men experiencing infertility through a systematic review. MATERIALS AND METHODS This systematic review was conducted without any time limitation (Retrieval date: July 1, 2023) in international databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The search was performed by two reviewers separately using keywords such as QOL, infertility, and men. Studies were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of the articles were evaluated based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. In the initial search, 308 studies were reviewed, and after removing duplicates and checking the title and abstract, the full text of 87 studies were evaluated. RESULTS Finally, 24 studies were included in the final review based on the research objectives. Based on the results, men's QOL scores in different studies varied from 55.15 ± 13.52 to 91.45 ± 13.66%. Of the total reviewed articles, the lowest and highest scores were related to mental health problems and physical dimensions, respectively. CONCLUSION The reported findings vary across various studies conducted in different countries. Analysis of the factors affecting these differences is necessary, and it is recommended to design a standard tool for assessing the quality of life of infertile men. Given the importance of the QOL in men experiencing infertility, it is crucial to consider it in the health system. Moreover, a plan should be designed, implemented and evaluated according to each country's contex to improve the quality of life of infertile men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Kiani
- Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Simbar
- Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Farzaneh Rashidi
- Department of Midwifery, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Farid Zayeri
- Proteomics Research Center, Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homayoon Banaderakhsh
- Department of Anesthesia and Operating Room, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Salari N, Babajani F, Hosseinian-Far A, Hasheminezhad R, Abdoli N, Haydarisharaf P, Mohammadi M. Global prevalence of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, stress, and depression among infertile women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:1833-1846. [PMID: 38459997 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07444-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the global prevalence of infertility has increased among women (Talmor and Dunphy, Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 29(4):498-506, 2015) and is considered as a public health concern. One of the impacts of infertility is mental health problems in the patients, which can lead to complications such as stress, anxiety, and depression. The aim of this study is to investigate the global prevalence of major depressive disorder, general anxiety, stress, and depression in infertile women through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS To identify studies that have reported the prevalence of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, stress, and depression in infertile women, the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar repositories were systematically searched. Articles published up until February 2023 were included, while no lower time limit was imposed in the search strategy. Heterogeneity of studies was examined using the I2 test and, thus, random-effects model was used to perform the analysis. Data analysis was conducted within the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (v.2) software. RESULTS In the review of 44 studies with a sample size of 53,300 infertile female patients, the overall prevalence of major depressive disorder (clinical depression), generalized anxiety, stress, and depression was found to be 22.9%, 13.3%, 78.8%, and 31.6% respectively. It was also found that mental health complications are more prevalent among infertile women in Asia (continent). CONCLUSION Considering the prevalence of mental disorders among infertile women, health policymakers can use the results of the present meta-analysis to pay more attention to the mental health of infertile women and devise suitable interventions and programs to reduce and prevent the spread of psychological disorders among infertile women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Salari
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Fateme Babajani
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Medicine, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Amin Hosseinian-Far
- Department of Business Systems and Operations, University of Northampton, Northampton, UK
| | - Razie Hasheminezhad
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Nasrin Abdoli
- Department of Psychiatry, Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Parisa Haydarisharaf
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Masoud Mohammadi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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Mínguez-Alarcón L, Williams PL, Souter I, Ford JB, Hauser R, Chavarro JE. Women's preconception psychological stress and birth outcomes in a fertility clinic: the EARTH study. Front Glob Womens Health 2024; 5:1293255. [PMID: 38379838 PMCID: PMC10877713 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1293255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The epidemiologic literature on women's perceived stress in relation to perinatal outcomes has been inconclusive and does not consider the preconception window of exposure. Objective To evaluate whether women's preconception perceived stress is related to live birth, gestational age, and birthweight in a cohort receiving fertility treatment. Methods This observational study included women seeking fertility care at the Massachusetts General Hospital (2004-2019). During preconception, women provided information on their psychological stress using the short version of the validated Perceived Stress Scale 4 (PSS-4). We used regression models to evaluate the associations of stress with live birth (N = 768 attempting to conceive) and perinatal outcomes (N = 413 live births) while adjusting for confounders. Stratified analyses by mode of conception [natural, intrauterine insemination (IUI), and IVF (in vitro fertilization)] and selected socioeconomic factors (race, education, and income) were also conducted. Results Higher psychological stress was negatively associated with the overall probability of live birth (adjusted RR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92, 0.98), particularly among women conceiving using IVF. However, we found no association between women's psychological stress and gestational age and birth weight in the overall analyses and also stratified by mode of conception. Similarly, we observed no differences in women's psychological stress with any of the measured outcomes by socioeconomic factors. Discussion These results highlight the importance of considering the preconception window and mode of conception when evaluating the relationship between women's preconception stress and live birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Mínguez-Alarcón
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Departments of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Paige L. Williams
- Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Irene Souter
- Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jennifer B. Ford
- Departments of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Russ Hauser
- Departments of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jorge E. Chavarro
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
- Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
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Guo QC, Yao W, Liu C, Deng TR, Li J, Liao HM, Tian WQ, Wang Y, Du YY, Li YF. Associations of personal care products use with reproductive outcomes of IVF/ICSI treatment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1320893. [PMID: 38327901 PMCID: PMC10847553 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1320893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Personal care products (PCPs) contain a number of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that could potentially affect the reproductive function in women of childbearing age. However, studies focused on the effects of PCPs use on reproductive outcomes are very limited. The current study aimed to explore the relationships between PCPs use patterns and reproductive outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) treatment. Methods A total of 1500 women from the Tongji Reproductive and Environmental (TREE) study between December 2018 and January 2020 were included in this study. Participants provided characteristics of PCPs use within the previous three months. Retrieved oocyte number, mature oocyte number, two distinct pronuclei (2PN) zygote number, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, blastocyst formation rate, implantation, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth were followed up as reproductive endpoints. Generalized linear regression model was utilized to assess the associations between various categories of PCPs use and reproductive endpoints of IVF/ICSI. Results After adjusting for relevant covariates, women who used skin care products ≥14 times per week had a reduction of 22.4% in the maturation rate (95% CI: -39.2%, -1.6%) compared to participants who did not use skin care products. After transferring fresh embryos, women who used cosmetics 1-2 times per week (adjusted OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.0, 4.8) or 3-7 times per week (adjusted OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.2, 5.2) had a higher possibility of miscarriage than those who did not use cosmetics. There was negative association between the use of gel or soap and the cleavage rate among women aged < 30 years old (P for interaction = 0.01). Among women with BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2, the use of gel or soap was negatively associated with the blastocyst formation rate (P for interaction = 0.04), while cosmetics use was negatively associated with the maturation rate (P for interaction = 0.001). Conclusion Our findings suggest that the use of PCPs in women of reproductive age have a potential adverse impact on IVF/ICSI outcomes, particularly skin care and cosmetic products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Chun Guo
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wen Yao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao-Ran Deng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hong-Mei Liao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wen-Qu Tian
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yao-Yao Du
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yu-Feng Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Boudreau G, Brassard A, Beaulieu N, Audet A, Péloquin K. Attachment and Sexual Functioning in Couples Seeking Fertility Treatment: The Role of Infertility-Specific Coping Strategies. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2024; 50:395-412. [PMID: 38254305 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2024.2302019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Couples facing infertility often experience sexual difficulties. Yet, little is known about the factors associated with these difficulties. We examined whether infertility-related coping strategies explain the associations between attachment insecurities (anxiety, avoidance) and sexual function and satisfaction in 97 couples seeking fertility treatment. Anxiety was associated with one's lower sexual satisfaction and function via self-neglect coping strategies. Anxiety was also associated with the partner's lower sexual satisfaction via self-blame coping. Avoidance was associated with lower partner support-seeking and sexual satisfaction. These findings support the roles of attachment and coping in the experience of sexual difficulties among couples seeking fertility treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Boudreau
- Department of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Audrey Brassard
- Department of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Noémie Beaulieu
- Department of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ariane Audet
- Department of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Katherine Péloquin
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Nam CS, Campbell KJ, Acquati C, Bole R, Adler A, Collins DJ, Collins E, Samplaski M, Anderson-Bialis J, Andino JJ, Asafu-Adjei D, Gaskins AJ, Bortoletto P, Vij SC, Orwig KE, Lundy SD. Deafening Silence of Male Infertility. Urology 2023; 182:111-124. [PMID: 37778476 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2023.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Think about 6 loved ones of reproductive age in your life. Now imagine that 1 of these 6 individuals is suffering from infertility. Perhaps they feel alone and isolated, unable to discuss their heartbreak with their closest friends, family, and support network. Suffering in silence. In this editorial, we discuss the infertility journey through the lens of the patients, the providers, and the scientists who struggle with infertility each and every day. Our goal is to open a dialogue surrounding infertility, with an emphasis on dismantling the longstanding societal barriers to acknowledging male infertility as a disease. Through education, communication, compassion, and advocacy, together we can all begin to break the deafening silence of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine S Nam
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Chiara Acquati
- Graduate College of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX; Department of Clinical Sciences, Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, University of Houston, Houston, TX; Department of Health Disparities Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Raevti Bole
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Ava Adler
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - David J Collins
- Department of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Erica Collins
- Department of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Mary Samplaski
- Department of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Juan J Andino
- Department of Urology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Denise Asafu-Adjei
- Department of Urology, Department of Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Pietro Bortoletto
- Boston IVF, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Sarah C Vij
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Kyle E Orwig
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Scott D Lundy
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH.
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Adam F, Favez N, Pirard C, Wyns C, Equeter C, Grimm E, Michaux N. Assessment of sexual function before medically assisted procreation: A mixed-methods study among a sample of infertile women and men cared for in a fertility center. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2023; 38:100922. [PMID: 37951081 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2023.100922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
A mixed-methods study was conducted to investigate sexual function among infertile patients undergoing medically assisted procreation for the first time. The study employed an interview and content analysis approach, involving 45 infertile patients prior to their medically assisted procreation procedures. The findings revealed that infertile patients are a group at risk for sexual distress. Furthermore, patients with sexual dysfunctions exhibited lower levels of sexual activity, potentially diminishing their chances of achieving pregnancy. Participants faced challenges in openly discussing their sexual problems and demonstrated limited knowledge of sexual functioning. Among infertile women with sexual dysfunctions, the most frequently reported issues were sexual interest/arousal disorders, with a majority also experiencing pain during sexual activity and associated genital-pelvic pain disorders. In contrast, delayed ejaculation and erectile disorder seem to be more common in infertile men, while sexual desire and excitement disorders and premature ejaculation disorders appeared to be as common as in the general population. While the relationship between infertility and sexuality is complex, our study suggests that sexual dysfunctions or the absence of sexual activity may explain infertility. Therefore, it is imperative for clinicians to evaluate the sexual functioning of both men and women undergoing medically assisted procreation treatment, to increase their chances of procreation and offer them sexological support if needed. Future studies should expand their scope to include a larger sample size and delve into the potential etiological factors associated with sexual dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Françoise Adam
- Psychological Sciences Research Institute, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium; Department of Psychology of Sexuality, Faculty of Psychological Sciences and Education, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Nicolas Favez
- Unit of Clinical Psychology of Interpersonal Relations, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Céline Pirard
- Department of Gynecology and Andrology, University Hospital Saint-Luc, Belgium
| | - Christine Wyns
- Department of Gynecology and Andrology, University Hospital Saint-Luc, Belgium
| | - Charline Equeter
- Psychological Sciences Research Institute, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Elise Grimm
- Psychological Sciences Research Institute, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Michaux
- Gynecology, Andrology, and in vitro Fertilization, University Hospital CHU UCLouvain Namur, Belgium
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13
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Renzi A, Mariani R, Fedele F, Maniaci VG, Petrovska E, D’Amelio R, Mazzoni G, Di Trani M. Women's Narratives on Infertility as a Traumatic Event: An Exploration of Emotional Processing through the Referential Activity Linguistic Program. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2919. [PMID: 37998411 PMCID: PMC10671616 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11222919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND the diagnosis of infertility and its related treatment can be traumatic, leading to profound psychological distress and a variety of psychopathological symptoms. The primary objective of this study is to contrast the linguistic features of narratives from women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Treatment with those of women not undergoing any fertility treatment. This study examines the speech of both groups of individuals as an indicator of their capacity to cope with current and past distressing experiences. METHOD 44 women (mean age 36.05; SD = 4.66) enrolled in a fertility medical center in Rome, and 43 control women (mean age 36.07; SD = 3.47) completed a socio-demographic questionnaire and a semi-structured interview designed to collect their memories of a neutral, a positive, and a negative event. This interview also aimed to investigate: (a) (for women with fertility difficulties) how they realized they and their partner had fertility problems and a description of an event when they talked about these difficulties with their partner; and (b) (for control group participants) the most difficult moment of their pregnancy and an event when they talked about it with their partner. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed, and the text was analyzed using the referential process (RP) linguistic measures software. RESULTS Mann-Whitney non-parametric U tests for the independent samples showed several significant differences regarding the linguistic measures applied to the narratives of neutral, positive, negative, and difficult experiences in the form of a linguistic style, with more intellectualization and defenses in all the narratives associated with the women with fertility problems compared to the women in the control group. CONCLUSIONS the traumatic and painful experience of infertility and ART seems to characterize the whole mode of narrating life experiences. Present findings sustain the importance of helping women to elaborate on their experience and to understand and recognize the difficult feelings that are activated in relation to the difficulties of having a child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Renzi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (V.G.M.); (G.M.); (M.D.T.)
| | - Rachele Mariani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (V.G.M.); (G.M.); (M.D.T.)
| | - Fabiola Fedele
- ART Italian National Register, National Centre for Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Health Institute, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Vito Giuseppe Maniaci
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (V.G.M.); (G.M.); (M.D.T.)
| | - Elena Petrovska
- Derner School of Psychology, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY 11530-0701, USA;
| | - Renzo D’Amelio
- Department of Gynecologic-Obstetrical and Urologic Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giuliana Mazzoni
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (V.G.M.); (G.M.); (M.D.T.)
| | - Michela Di Trani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (V.G.M.); (G.M.); (M.D.T.)
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14
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Geng L, Shi Z, Chai XY, Nie HW, Cong HB, Li SP. Patient and clinician perspectives on shared decision-making in infertility treatment: A qualitative study. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 116:107948. [PMID: 37672920 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the considerations and barriers to implementing shared decision-making (SDM) in infertility treatment among female infertility patients, their male spouses, and fertility clinicians. METHODS Participants were recruited from a reproductive medicine hospital in China's Shandong Province using purposive sampling. One-on-one interviews were held with female infertility patients and their spouses. In addition, a focus group discussion was conducted with fertility clinicians. Data analysis was subjected to open, axial, and selective coding. RESULTS Nineteen female infertility patients and 10 male spouses were interviewed one-on-one. Five clinicians participated in the focus group discussion. Most female patients wanted to participate in the decision-making process, and that spouses and fertility clinicians supported SDM. Furthermore, key barriers were identified from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders, including communication difficulties, psychological pressure on female patients, patient preferences, multiple treatment stages, male spousal participation, clinician-patient trust, and subjective patient factors. CONCLUSIONS/PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS This study explored the considerations of and barriers to implementing SDM in infertility treatment. Key barriers were identified from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders. Based on the findings, clinicians should encourage patients and their spouses to actively participate in decision-making, and provide objective and realistic guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Geng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhao Shi
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, China; Center for Health Preference Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Chai
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, China; Center for Health Preference Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hong-Wei Nie
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hong-Bin Cong
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shun-Ping Li
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China; NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, China; Center for Health Preference Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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15
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Thanscheidt CL, Wischmann T. Systematic Review: Risk Factors of Anxiety, Depressiveness, and (Lack of) Social Support in Women and Men Prior to Assisted Reproduction. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2023; 83:1350-1360. [PMID: 37928411 PMCID: PMC10624543 DOI: 10.1055/a-2166-4374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
This review provides a systematic overview of the state of knowledge to date of psychosocial risk factors with a focus on anxiety, depressiveness, and (lack of) social support among involuntarily childless women and men prior to assisted reproduction. The databases PubMed, PubPsych, PsycINFO-Ebsco, and Web of Science were searched for relevant publications in English or German, and finally a total of 20 publications were included in the systematic review. Of these, 18 studies focused on depressiveness, 15 studies focused on anxiety, and 9 studies focused on social support. Half of the studies included both men and women, while the other half included only women. Due to the large heterogeneity of the study results as well as limitations, no clear conclusions can be drawn regarding a difference between the risk profiles of men and women with an unfulfilled desire to have children. However, it has been shown that infertile couples or women experience higher levels of stress in the form of depressiveness and anxiety compared to fertile participants. Furthermore, it was found that social support, regardless of gender difference, within the couple and from family and friends may be associated with a lower risk for depressiveness and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tewes Wischmann
- Institut für Medizinische Psychologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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16
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Lokken EM, Kabare E, Oyaro B, Nyaigero M, Kinuthia J, Jaoko W, Mandaliya K, McClelland RS, Manhart LE. A prospective preconception cohort study of the association between Mycoplasma genitalium and fecundability in Kenyan women trying to conceive. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2020-2027. [PMID: 37634090 PMCID: PMC10546078 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is Mycoplasma genitalium-infection associated with reduced fecundability? SUMMARY ANSWER Preconception M. genitalium-infection was associated with 27% lower fecundability though confidence intervals were wide, and the association between M. genitalium and fecundability may be dependent on concurrent bacterial vaginosis (BV). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY M. genitalium has been associated with cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and preterm birth, but the extent to which M. genitalium is causally related to adverse reproductive sequelae in women is debated. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION Kenyan women enrolled in a prospective preconception cohort provided vaginal fluid specimens and underwent monthly pregnancy testing. Stored samples from 407 women who had been trying to conceive for ≤6 months were tested for M. genitalium using a nucleic acid amplification test. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Data on first day of last menstrual period, sexual behavior, pregnancy status, and vaginal specimens were collected at monthly preconception visits. The association between M. genitalium detected at the visit prior to each pregnancy test and fecundability was estimated using discrete time proportional probabilities models. Secondary analyses explored the influence of concurrent BV on the association between M. genitalium and fecundability. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The 407 participants experienced 1220 menstrual cycles and 213 pregnancies. The prevalence of M. genitalium at enrollment was 7.7%. After adjustment for age, frequency of condomless sex in the last 4 weeks, and study site, M. genitalium was associated with a 27% lower fecundability, but confidence intervals were wide (adjusted fecundability ratio (aFR) 0.73, 95% CI 0.44, 1.23). In secondary analyses, when compared to cycles without M. genitalium or BV at the visit prior, women with both M. genitalium and BV at the visit prior had a 51% lower fecundability (aFR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.22, 1.09) whereas there was no association of M. genitalium alone (aFR = 0.98 (95% CI 0.54, 1.76)), and a smaller reduction in fecundability for women with BV only (aFR = 0.80 (95% CI 0.60, 1.07)). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Results should be interpreted cautiously given the relatively low prevalence of M. genitalium and wide confidence intervals. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS In this cohort of Kenyan women trying to conceive, the association between M. genitalium and fecundability was influenced by concurrent BV status, suggesting there may be a synergistic effect of M. genitalium and BV on fecundability. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by a National Institutes of Health grant (NICHD R01 HD087346-RSM). R.S.M. received additional support for mentoring (NICHD K24 HD88229). E.M.L. was supported by pre- and post-doctoral fellowships (NIAID T32 AI07140, NICHD F32 HD100202). Data collection and management were completed using REDCap electronic data capture tools hosted at the University of Washington's Institute of Translational Health Science supported by grants from NCATS/NIH (UL1 TR002319). The content of this paper is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. R.S.M. receives research funding, paid to the University of Washington, from Hologic Corporation and consulting fees from Lupin Pharmaceuticals. L.E.M. receives research funding and material for research studies, paid to the University of Washington, from Hologic Corporation and Nabriva Therapeutics, travel support from Hologic, and consulting fees from Health Advances. E.M.L.'s contributions to this study primarily occurred while affiliated with the University of Washington; at the time of submission, E.M.L. was an employee of and holds stock or stock grants for AbbVie, Inc. The other authors have no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica M Lokken
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emmanuel Kabare
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Brenda Oyaro
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maureen Nyaigero
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John Kinuthia
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
- Research and Programs, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Walter Jaoko
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - R Scott McClelland
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lisa E Manhart
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Shahmoradi N, Davarinejad O, Brühl AB, Brand S. Effects of Aphrodite (an Herbal Compound) on SSRI-Induced Sexual Dysfunctions and Depression in Females with Major Depressive Disorder: Findings from a Randomized Clinical Trial. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1663. [PMID: 37763782 PMCID: PMC10538161 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Almost by default, people with major depression disorder (MDD) also report sexual health issues. This holds even more true when sexual dysfunctions are SSRI-induced. Herbal compounds may have the power to counterbalance such sexual dysfunctions, though research is still scarce. Therefore, we assessed females with diagnosed MDD treated with a standard SSRI (sertraline) and reporting SSRI-induced sexual dysfunctions, and we asked whether compared to placebo, Aphrodite (a blend of ginger, saffron, cinnamon, thistle, and Tribulus terrestris) may favorably impact on sexual dysfunctions, and on symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Materials and Methods: A total of 41 females (mean age: 35.05 years) with diagnosed MDD, treated with sertraline (a standard SSRI) at therapeutic dosages, and reporting SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction, were randomly assigned either to Aphrodite or to the placebo condition. At baseline and four and eight weeks later (study end), participants completed a series of self-rating questionnaires covering symptoms of sexual dysfunction, depression, anxiety, and sleep complaints. Results: Symptoms of sexual dysfunction, depression, and anxiety decreased over time, but more so in the Aphrodite condition, compared to the placebo condition (significant p-values and large effect sizes). Over time, sleep disturbances decreased irrespective of the study condition. Conclusions: The pattern of results suggests that compared to placebo, Aphrodite appeared to improve symptoms of sexual dysfunction, depression, and anxiety among females with diagnosed MDD and SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction. Further and similar studies should investigate the underlying psychophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasrin Shahmoradi
- Department of Psychiatry, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah 6714673159, Iran; (O.D.); (A.B.B.)
| | - Omran Davarinejad
- Department of Psychiatry, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah 6714673159, Iran; (O.D.); (A.B.B.)
| | - Annette Beatrix Brühl
- Department of Psychiatry, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah 6714673159, Iran; (O.D.); (A.B.B.)
- Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disorders, Psychiatric Clinics of the University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Serge Brand
- Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disorders, Psychiatric Clinics of the University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah 6714673159, Iran
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran 1417466191, Iran
- Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences (KUMS), Kermanshah 6714673159, Iran
- Division of Sport Science and Psychosocial Health, Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, 4052 Basel, Switzerland
- Center for Disaster Psychiatry and Disaster Psychology, Psychiatric Clinics of the University of Basel, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
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18
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Huttler A, Murugappan G, Stentz NC, Cedars MI. Reproduction as a window to future health in women. Fertil Steril 2023; 120:421-428. [PMID: 36641001 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Cultivating awareness for reproduction as a window to future health presents an opportunity for early identification and modification of risk factors that can affect both individual and population-level morbidity and mortality. Infertility could serve as both a window into future health as well as a pathway to future pathology. The underlying mechanisms of infertility may share common pathways with long-term risk for health and well-being. Making this identification early in the disease process may improve opportunities for intervention, and deepen our understanding of long-term risk. Additionally, fertility treatments may increase individual risk. Only by making these associations and designing studies to understand how disease and treatment risk impact health can we truly fulfill our goal of building healthy families. The aim of this review is to discuss the short-term impact of fertility challenges and treatment, long-term associations of infertility with morbidity and mortality, and the role of parity in modifying these risk associations.
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Suleiman M, August F, Nanyaro MW, Wangwe P, Kikula A, Balandya B, Ngarina M, Muganyizi P. Quality of life and associated factors among infertile women attending infertility clinic at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, Zanzibar. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:400. [PMID: 37528393 PMCID: PMC10394830 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02536-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, it is estimated at least 50 million couples are affected by infertility with the prevalence of infertility being 16% in Tanzania. Psychological impact of infertility in patients negatively affects women's Quality of Life (QoL) defined as a person`s perception of where they are in life in terms of culture and value in the emotional, mind-body, relational, social, environment and tolerability of treatment aspects. Poor Quality of Life is related to increased treatment discontinuation. The aim of this study was to determine the Quality of Life and associated factors among infertile women attending infertility clinic at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, Zanzibar. METHODS A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted among 340 infertile women attending infertility clinic at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital, Zanzibar. Data was collected using FertiQoL tool. The factors associated with Quality of Life using FertiQoL tool in infertile women were estimated in a multivariable linear regression model at 95% confidence interval and 5% level of significance. RESULTS Quality of life of infertile women at Mnazi Mmoja infertility clinic was 70.6 ± 10.0 on a scale of 0 to 100. It increased significantly with increase in educational level (p = 0.009). Women with female individual causes on average had 5.07 (B=- 5.07, 95%CI: -7.78, -2.35) and women with individual and respective male partner causes of infertility had on average 4.95 (B= -4.95, 95% CI: -7.77, -2.12) respective decrease in the FertiQoL scores compared to those who had their male partner with problems as reason for infertility. There was an average 4.50 (B=-4.50, 95% CI: 2.30, 6.70) decrease in quality of life in women with secondary infertility compared to women with primary infertility. Every month increase in duration of infertility led to an average of 0.04 (B=-2.57, 95%CI: -0.07, -0.01) decrease in FertiQoL scores. CONCLUSION The overall quality of life in this population was positively associated with level of education but negatively affected with reason for infertility, type of infertility and duration of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubina Suleiman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Furaha August
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Mary Winnie Nanyaro
- Department of Research, National Institute of Medical Research, P. O. Box 3436, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Peter Wangwe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Amani Kikula
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Belinda Balandya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Matilda Ngarina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Muhimbili National Hospital, Malik Road, Upanga West, P. O Box 65000, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Projestine Muganyizi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Dar es Salaam, Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, Mbeya, Tanzania
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20
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Charifson M, Ghassabian A, Seok E, Naidu M, Mehta-Lee SS, Brubaker SG, Afanasyeva Y, Chen Y, Liu M, Trasande L, Kahn LG. Chronotype and sleep duration interact to influence time to pregnancy: Results from a New York City cohort. Sleep Health 2023; 9:467-474. [PMID: 37055302 PMCID: PMC10514230 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To study associations between nighttime sleep characteristics and time to pregnancy. METHODS Pregnant people age ≥18 years and<18 weeks' gestation were recruited from 3 New York University Grossman School of Medicine affiliated hospitals in Manhattan and Brooklyn (n = 1428) and enrolled into the New York University Children's Health and Environment Study. Participants in the first trimester of pregnancy were asked to recall their time to pregnancy and their sleep characteristics in the 3 months before conception. RESULTS Participants who reported sleeping<7 hours per night tended to have shorter time to pregnancy than those who slept 7-9 hours per night (adjusted fecundability odds ratio = 1.16, 95% confidence interval: 0.94, 1.41). Participants with a sleep midpoint of 4 AM or later tended to have longer time to pregnancy compared with those with earlier sleep midpoints (before 4 AM) (adjusted fecundability odds ratio = 0.88, 95% confidence interval: 0.74, 1.04). When stratified by sleep midpoint, sleeping<7 hours was significantly associated with shorter time to pregnancy only among those whose sleep midpoint was before 4 AM (adjusted fecundability odds ratio = 1.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.07, 1.67). CONCLUSIONS The association of sleep duration with time to pregnancy was modified by chronotype, suggesting that both biological and behavioral aspects of sleep may influence fecundability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Charifson
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA.
| | - Akhgar Ghassabian
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Eunsil Seok
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Mrudula Naidu
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Shilpi S Mehta-Lee
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Health, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Sara G Brubaker
- Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York University Langone Health, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Yelena Afanasyeva
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Mengling Liu
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Linda G Kahn
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
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21
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Thanscheidt CL, Pätsch P, Rösner S, Germeyer A, Krause M, Kentenich H, Siercks I, Häberlin F, Ehrbar V, Tschudin S, Böttcher B, Toth B, Wischmann T. Psychological Aspects of Infertility - Results from an Actor-Partner Interdependence Analysis. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2023; 83:843-849. [PMID: 37404978 PMCID: PMC10317563 DOI: 10.1055/a-2041-2831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction For some patients, undergoing medical treatment for infertility is a cause of major emotional stress which the couple needs to deal with together; it can be said that infertility is a shared stressor. From the literature it is known that a subjectively perceived sense of self-efficacy supports the patient's ability to cope adaptively with an illness. As the basis for this study, we assumed that high levels of self-efficacy are associated with low psychological risk scores (e.g., for anxiety or depressiveness), both in the patient themselves and in their partner. Accordingly, in infertility patients, targeted support to promote helpful self-efficacy expectations could represent a new counselling strategy that could enable psychologically vulnerable patients to better cope with the treatment procedure and treatment failures of medically assisted reproduction, making these patients less at risk with regard to psychosocial factors. Methods 721 women and men attending five fertility centers in Germany (Heidelberg, Berlin), Austria (Innsbruck), and Switzerland (St. Gallen, Basel) completed the SCREENIVF-R questionnaire to identify psychological risk factors for amplified emotional problems, as well as the ISE scale to measure self-efficacy. Using paired t-tests and the actor-partner interdependence model, we analyzed the data of 320 couples. Results Considering the study participants as couples, women had a higher risk score than men for four out of five risk factors (depressiveness, anxiety, lack of acceptance, helplessness). In all of the risk areas, it was possible to identify a protective effect from self-efficacy on the patient's own risk factors (actor effect). There was a negative correlation between the men's self-efficacy level and the women's feelings of depressiveness and helplessness (partner effect, man → woman). The women's self-efficacy levels had a positive correlation with acceptance and access to social support in the men (partner effect, woman → man). Conclusion Because infertility is generally something that a couple has to deal with together, future studies should focus on couples as the unit of analysis instead of just analyzing the men and women separately. In addition, couples therapy should be the gold standard in psychotherapy for infertility patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick Pätsch
- Institut für Medizinische Psychologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Rösner
- Abteilung für Gynäkologische Endokrinologie und Reproduktionsmedizin, Universitätsfrauenklinik Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ariane Germeyer
- Abteilung für Gynäkologische Endokrinologie und Reproduktionsmedizin, Universitätsfrauenklinik Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Verena Ehrbar
- Gynäkologische Sozialmedizin und Psychosomatik, Universitätsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sibil Tschudin
- Gynäkologische Sozialmedizin und Psychosomatik, Universitätsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bettina Böttcher
- Abteilung für Gynäkologische Endokrinologie und Reproduktionsmedizin, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bettina Toth
- Abteilung für Gynäkologische Endokrinologie und Reproduktionsmedizin, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Tewes Wischmann
- Institut für Medizinische Psychologie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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22
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Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Jiang Y, Lekberg T, Nilsson HP. The Late Effects of Cancer Treatment on Female Fertility and the Current Status of Fertility Preservation-A Narrative Review. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1195. [PMID: 37240840 PMCID: PMC10224240 DOI: 10.3390/life13051195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Fertility counseling should be offered to all individuals of young reproductive age early in the patient's trajectory following a cancer diagnosis. Systemic cancer treatment and radiotherapy often have an inherent gonadotoxic effect with the potential to induce permanent infertility and premature ovarian failure. For the best chances to preserve a patient's fertility potential and to improve future quality of life, fertility preservation methods should be applied before cancer treatment initiation, thus multidisciplinary team-work and timely referral to reproductive medicine centers specialized in fertility preservation is recommended. We aim to review the current clinical possibilities for fertility preservation and summarize how infertility, as a late effect of gonadotoxic treatment, affects the growing population of young female cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny A. Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Laboratory of translational Fertility Preservation, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden; (Y.J.); (T.L.); (H.P.N.)
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yanyu Jiang
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Laboratory of translational Fertility Preservation, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden; (Y.J.); (T.L.); (H.P.N.)
| | - Tobias Lekberg
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Laboratory of translational Fertility Preservation, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden; (Y.J.); (T.L.); (H.P.N.)
- Breast, Endocrine tumors and Sarcoma Cancer Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hanna P. Nilsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Laboratory of translational Fertility Preservation, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden; (Y.J.); (T.L.); (H.P.N.)
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23
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Renzi A, Fedele F, Di Trani M. Assisted Reproductive Treatments, Quality of Life, and Alexithymia in Couples. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11071026. [PMID: 37046953 PMCID: PMC10093954 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11071026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility and related treatments can negatively affect a couple's wellbeing. The aim of this study was to evaluate couples starting assisted reproductive treatment, differences in alexithymia and quality of life levels between partners, and the association of these psychological dimensions within the couple's members. Data was collected in two fertility centres in Rome; 47 couples completed the Fertility Quality of Life (FertiQoL), the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and a socio-demographic questionnaire. Data analysis showed a worsened quality of life in women compared with their partners, as well as higher externally oriented thinking in men compared with their spouses. Associations between alexithymia and quality of life levels between women and men emerged. According to the regression analysis, a better quality of life in women was predicted by a greater partner's capabilities in identifying and describing emotion as well as by a better partner's quality of life, whereas for men, a better quality of life was predicted by their spouse's higher levels of quality of life. This study highlights the protective role that couples can play in the perception of the negative impact that infertility can have on their partner's quality of life. Further investigations are needed for the development of specific therapeutic interventions for the promotion of the couples' wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Renzi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiola Fedele
- ART Italian National Register, National Centre for Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Health Institute, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Di Trani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
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24
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Ozcan S, Kirca N. Effects of care given in line with Levine's Conservation Model on the quality of life of women receiving infertility treatment: A single blind randomized controlled trial. Health Care Women Int 2023; 44:418-439. [PMID: 34846278 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2021.2007927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Although infertility is not a life-threatening condition, it decreases the quality of life of people. This single blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 80 women who received infertility treatment in an IVF Center located in a city center in the west of Turkey between May 2020 and February 2021. It was determined that thanks to the holistic care given in line with Levine's Conservation Model (LCM), fatigue levels of the women in the experimental group decreased, their energy levels increased, their structural, personal and social integrity was conserved and thus their quality of life improved compared to the women in the control group (all p < 0.001).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadiye Ozcan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecological Nursing, Yalova University Faculty of Health Sciences, Yalova, Turkey
| | - Nurcan Kirca
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecological Nursing, Akdeniz University Faculty of Nursing, Antalya, Turkey
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25
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Whynott RM, Summers KM, Mejia RB, Segre LS, Ryan G, Pawlak SA. Creating affiliations, learning, and mindfulness for in vitro fertilization patients (CALM IVF): a clinical trial. F S Rep 2023; 4:61-71. [PMID: 36959953 PMCID: PMC10028477 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Determine if group psychoeducational support can improve in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients' quality of life (QoL). Design Randomized controlled trial (NCT04048772). Setting University-affiliated IVF clinic. Patients Women (n = 76) and male partners undergoing initial autologous IVF cycle from August 2019, to December 2020. Interventions Couples were assigned to groups based on projected oocyte retrieval date. Groups were randomly assigned to the control or intervention arm. Clinic closures because of the COVID-19 pandemic delayed treatment for a portion of participants. Groups were conducted in person before and virtually during the pandemic. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome was a change in fertility quality of life (FertiQoL) from baseline to 3 days after retrieval. Secondary outcomes were changes in depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7), resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience scale), IVF knowledge scores, and the likelihood of return to treatment. Results Knowledge scores among women in Creating Affiliations, Learning, and Mindfulness (CALM) for IVF groups significantly increased compared with control (mean difference 13.19 [3.53 - 22.84]) before the pandemic. During the pandemic, women in CALM IVF had significant improvement in the social FertiQoL score compared with controls (10.42 [1.79 - 19.04]). Compared with controls, male CALM IVF participants had significantly greater improvement in total FertiQoL (mean difference 6.68 [0.39 - 12.98]), treatment FertiQoL (8.26 [0.69 - 15.82]), and resilience (Connor-Davidson 1.13 [0.54 - 1.72]). Immediate return to care did not significantly differ between arms. Conclusions For women undergoing IVF, group psychoeducational programs can improve IVF knowledge and social QoL during a pandemic. Participation in a group psychoeducational program can improve QoL and resilience in IVF dyad male partners. Clinical Trial Registration Number Trial registration NCT04048772.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M. Whynott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Reprint requests: Rachel Whynott, M.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Washington, 4245 Roosevelt Way NE, 3rd Floor, Seattle, Washington 98105.
| | - Karen M. Summers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Rachel B. Mejia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Lisa S. Segre
- College of Nursing, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Ginny Ryan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Stacey A. Pawlak
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
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26
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Marin L, Ambrosini G, Fantò FM, Della Vella M, Massaro A, Dessole F, Capobianco G, Andrisani A. Telemedicine for Virtual Consultations During COVID-19 Pandemic in a Medically Assisted Reproduction Center: Patients' Perspective. Telemed J E Health 2023; 29:459-465. [PMID: 35833792 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2021.0509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Restrictive measures imposed to prevent COVID-19 contagion have caused an increase in waiting times for other health procedures. During the pandemic, utilization of telemedicine has increased to ensure patient care safely. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perspective of infertile patients who underwent virtual consultations for infertility. Materials and Methods: This was an observational study. A survey was submitted to patients who attended a virtual consultation at a single in vitro fertilization (IVF) unit between March 2020 and July 2021. The survey concerned their experience with telemedicine assessing the experience of video consulting and the software characteristics. Results: The survey response rate was 50.3% (n = 159). In total, 98.8% of patients positively rated the experience of telemedicine. Regarding the software itself, it was defined as intuitive and easy to use by 87.4% of patients. A majority (92.5%) of interviewed patients reported that they were able to receive the information and clear any doubts they had and 85.5% of interviewed patients would repeat the experience of video consultation. Conclusions: The acceptance of telemedicine was very high among infertile patients. However, IVF treatments have a strong emotional component and face-to-face consultation with medical staff might help to create the right climate of trust, and the empathy that can be demonstrated during a vis-à-vis meeting cannot be achieved through a screen. The use of telemedicine should be considered in those situations where it is not possible to attend an in-person consultation or when couples prefer it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loris Marin
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Guido Ambrosini
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Manuela Della Vella
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Massaro
- Information Technology Department, Padua Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Dessole
- Department of Surgical, Microsurgical and Medical Sciences, Gynecologic and Obstetric Clinic, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giampiero Capobianco
- Department of Surgical, Microsurgical and Medical Sciences, Gynecologic and Obstetric Clinic, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
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27
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Dura-Ferrandis E, Bonilla-Campos A, Alhambra-Borras T. Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the FertiQoL measure in couples undergoing infertility treatment. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2023:1-15. [PMID: 36814063 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2023.2180623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both the diagnosis and the process of undergoing fertility treatment have a considerable negative effect on a person's quality of life (QoL). The evaluation of this effect is essential to offer comprehensive and high-quality care. The FertiQoL questionnaire is the most widely used instrument to evaluate QoL in people with fertility issues. OBJECTIVE This study is aimed at examining the dimensionality, validity and reliability of the Spanish version of the FertiQoL questionnaire in a sample of Spanish heterosexual couples undergoing fertility treatment. METHODS FertiQoL was administered to 500 people (50.2% women; 49.8% men; average age 36.1 years) recruited from a public Assisted Reproduction Unit in Spain. In this cross-sectional study, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to analyse the dimensionality, validity and reliability of FertiQoL. Discriminant and convergent validity were assessed using the Average Variance Extracted (AVE), and model reliability was shown by Composite Reliability (CR) and Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS CFA's results support the 6-factor solution of the original FertiQoL (RMSEA and SRMR <0.09; CFI and TLI >0.9). However, several items had to be eliminated due to their low factorial weights - in particular, items Q4, Q5, Q6, Q11, Q14, Q15 and Q21. Moreover, FertiQoL showed good reliability (CR >0.7) and validity (AVE >0.5). CONCLUSION The Spanish version of FertiQoL is a reliable and valid instrument in measuring QoL in heterosexual couples undergoing fertility treatment. The CFA confirms the original 6-factors model but indicates that by eliminating some items the psychometric properties could improve. However, further research is recommended to address some of the measurement issues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amparo Bonilla-Campos
- Department of Personality, Assessment, and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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28
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Evaluating health-related quality of life and subjective wellbeing among infertility patients: a cross-sectional study in mainland China. Qual Life Res 2023; 32:1469-1480. [PMID: 36617607 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-022-03330-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and subjective wellbeing (SWB) of infertility patients in mainland China and to investigate the relationships between HRQoL and SWB instruments in infertility patients. METHODS We conducted this cross-sectional study in the Hospital for Reproductive Medicine Affiliated of Shandong University between April 2019 and November 2019. Participants self-completed the five-level EQ-5D (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire, the Assessment of Quality of Life (AQoL)-8D, and the WHO-5 wellbeing index (WHO-5). The agreements between EQ-5D-5L and AQoL-8D were assessed employing intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman plots. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to examine the difference in descriptive systems among the three instruments. RESULTS We analyzed a valid sample of 618 infertility patients (84.4%). The mean scores of the total EQ-5D-5L, AQoL-8D, and WHO-5 were 0.96 (95%CI 0.96, 0.96), 0.80 (95%CI 0.79, 0.81), and 16.92 (95%CI 16.52, 17.31), respectively. Patients diagnosed with primary infertility had significantly lower HRQoL and SWB than those with secondary infertility. The ICC of EQ-5D-5L and AQoL-8D was 0.14. The AQoL-8D (r = 0.625) was more strongly correlated with WHO-5 than with the EQ-5D-5L (r = 0.262). The EFA results indicated that HRQoL instruments and the WHO-5 instruments were complementary rather than substitutable. CONCLUSIONS Poorer HRQoL and SWB were found that primary than secondary infertility patients. There exists a poor agreement between EQ-5D-5L and AQoL-8D and the difference in the psychosocial components may explain the difference. Measuring both HRQoL and SWB could provide complementary information for infertility patients.
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29
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Jin C, Tooth LR, Xu X, Mishra GD. Do mothers or females without children have better health-related quality of life across their reproductive years? Qual Life Res 2023; 32:1481-1491. [PMID: 36598639 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-022-03338-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between mothers and females who were voluntarily or involuntarily childless, across their reproductive years. METHODS 4100 females born in 1973-78 from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health were followed for 22 years. Motherhood status was defined by females' reports in Survey 8 (2018, 40-45 years) on their fertility, attempts to conceive, use of in vitro fertilization and fertility hormones, and number of children. HRQoL was assessed in each survey using the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36). Linear mixed models were used to assess the associations between motherhood status and HRQoL. RESULTS Over 22 years, compared with females who were voluntarily childless, mothers on average had better HRQoL (shown by scores 1.5 to 3.4 points higher on five of the eight SF-36 subscales), while females who were involuntarily childless scored 2.2 to 3.0 points lower on three of eight SF-36 subscales. Compared with females who were voluntarily childless, teen mothers (age at first birth < 20 years) scored lower on role limitations due to physical problems subscale (b = -5.5, 95% CI: -9.3, -1.6), while females with either two, or three or more children scored 1.6 to 4.8 points higher on seven of eight SF-36 subscales. CONCLUSIONS Females who were childless had poorer HRQoL than mothers. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms, which could inform policymakers on how to reduce the health disparities and improve long-term health outcomes for females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuyao Jin
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 4006.
| | - Leigh R Tooth
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 4006
| | - Xiaolin Xu
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 4006.,School of Public Health and The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gita D Mishra
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 4006
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30
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Péloquin K, Boucher S, Benoit Z, Jean M, Beauvilliers L, Carranza-Mamane B, Brassard A. "We're in this together": Attachment insecurities, dyadic coping strategies, and relationship satisfaction in couples involved in medically assisted reproduction. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2023; 49:92-110. [PMID: 36047353 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Attachment is an important predictor of relationship satisfaction and attachment insecurities are a risk factor for couples under stress. Drawing from the Vulnerability-Stress-Adaptation model, we investigated whether dyadic coping strategies (DCS) would explain the links between attachment insecurities and relationship satisfaction in 97 couples involved in medically assisted reproduction (MAR). Path analyses revealed that for women and men, attachment insecurities (anxiety, avoidance) were associated with their own lower relationship satisfaction through their lower use of positive DCS. Attachment avoidance was also associated with participants' own lower relationship satisfaction through their own lower use of negative DCS. Men's attachment avoidance was also related to their partner's lower relationship satisfaction via their own and their partner's lower use of positive DCS. The findings suggest that promoting the use of positive DCS may be important to preserve relationship satisfaction in couples involved in MAR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stéphanie Boucher
- Psychology Department, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Zoé Benoit
- Psychology Department, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mireille Jean
- Psychology Department, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Belina Carranza-Mamane
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, GREI Division, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Audrey Brassard
- Psychology Department, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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31
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Keller E, Botha W, Chambers GM. Does in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment provide good value for money? A cost-benefit analysis. Front Glob Womens Health 2023; 4:971553. [PMID: 36937042 PMCID: PMC10014591 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2023.971553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Using traditional health technology assessment (HTA) outcome metrics, such as quality-adjusted life-years, to assess fertility treatments raises considerable methodological challenges because the objective of fertility treatments is to create new life rather than extend, save, or improve health-related quality of life. Objective The aim of this study was to develop a novel cost-benefit framework to assess value for money of publicly funded IVF treatment; to determine the number of cost-beneficial treatment cycles for women of different ages; and to perform an incremental cost-benefit analysis from a taxpayer perspective. Methods We developed a Markov model to determine the net monetary benefit (NMB) of IVF treatment by female age and number of cycles performed. IVF treatment outcomes were monetized using taxpayers' willingness-to-pay values derived from a discrete choice experiment (DCE). Using the current funding environment as the comparator, we performed an incremental analysis of only funding cost-beneficial cycles. Similar outputs to cost-effectiveness analyses were generated, including net-benefit acceptability curves and cost-benefit planes. We created an interactive online app to provide a detailed and transparent presentation of the results. Results The results suggest that at least five publicly funded IVF cycles are cost-beneficial in women aged <42 years. Cost-benefit planes suggest a strong taxpayer preference for restricting funding to cost-beneficial cycles over current funding arrangements in Australia from an economic perspective. Conclusions The provision of fertility treatment is valued highly by taxpayers. This novel cost-benefit method overcomes several challenges of conventional cost-effectiveness methods and provides an exemplar for incorporating DCE results into HTA. The results offer new evidence to inform discussions about treatment funding arrangements.
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32
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Kiani Z, Simbar M, Hajian S, Zayeri F, RashidiFakari F, Chimeh FJ. Investigating different dimensions of infertile women's quality of life: a descriptive cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2436. [PMID: 36575427 PMCID: PMC9793385 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14924-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a major challenge in the life of women which affects their quality of life. Infertile women's quality of life is a relatively new field of research that has recently been considered by health researchers. However, there has been no standard tool for measuring different aspects of infertile women's quality of life with female factors, and general and specific tools of infertile couples have been used to assess their quality of life. This study, thus, aimed to analyze different aspects of the quality of life of infertile women. METHODS This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 320 infertile women referred to a teaching hospital affiliated with Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences and private infertility treatment centers in Sari, Iran. Demographic and fertility characteristics and the quality of life questionnaire for infertile women questionnaire (a 25-item tool was designed which measured 7 factors of psychological effects, sexual life with infertility family and social effects, infertility-related concerns, physical effects, adaptive approaches and factors preventing infertility adaptation), were recruited for data gathering. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics (percentage, mean, standard deviation), correlation coefficient, independent sample t-test, and multiple linear regression were used. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS The total mean score of infertile women's quality of life was 65.68 ± 8.91%. Findings were indicative of infertile women's quality of life in the dimensions of adaptive approach (70.48 ± 15.02%), psychological (67.88 ± 12.06%), family and social (64.63 ± 10.76%), physical, 63.42 ± 11.36%), inhibitory factors/ factors preventing adaptation (60.98 ± 8.24%), related concerns (51.52 ± 10.21%) and sexual life (40.12 ± 14.28%). According to the final multiple linear regression model, women's education (B = 2.57, p < 0.001), spouse's education (B = 1.56, p = 0.046), economic status (B = 1.64, p < 0.001), age of women (B = -0.62, p < 0.001), age of spouse (B = -0.65, p < 0.001), duration of infertility (B = -0.36, p = 0.024) and duration of marriage (B = -0.39, p = 0.022) were the final predictors of the quality of life score in infertile women of the study. CONCLUSION Given that infertility causes extensive changes in individuals, families, and social dimensions of infertile women, it can affect their quality of life. We can take steps to improve the health of infertile women by promoting various dimensions of their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Kiani
- grid.411600.2Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Simbar
- grid.411600.2Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,grid.411600.2Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Hajian
- grid.411600.2Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farid Zayeri
- grid.411600.2Proteomics Research Center and Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh RashidiFakari
- grid.464653.60000 0004 0459 3173Department of Midwifery, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Jalali Chimeh
- grid.411600.2Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Keller E, Chambers GM. Valuing infertility treatment: Why QALYs are inadequate, and an alternative approach to cost-effectiveness thresholds. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2022; 4:1053719. [PMID: 36619344 PMCID: PMC9822722 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2022.1053719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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Yamanaka-Altenstein M, Rauch-Anderegg V, Heinrichs N. The link between infertility-related distress and psychological distress in couples awaiting fertility treatment: a dyadic approach. HUM FERTIL 2022; 25:924-938. [PMID: 34232107 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2021.1948112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
While there is broad evidence to suggest that individual stress increases, and that high couple relationship quality reduces the risk for psychological distress, our understanding of these associations in couples dealing with infertility remains limited. In this cross-sectional study, we used dyadic data-analysis (Actor-Partner Interdependence Model; APIM) to examine the effects of infertility-related distress (experienced as an individual risk factor) and couple relationship quality (experienced as a couple-based resource), on psychological distress in a sample of 116 infertile couples. 59% of women and 23% of men reported clinical levels of psychological distress, 71% of women and 45% of men reported infertility-related distress, and 3% of participants reported low couple relationship quality. Infertility-related distress predicted psychological distress at the individual level ('actor effects') while men's infertility-related distress predicted women's psychological distress (partner effect'). Women without medically assisted reproduction (MAR) treatment exposure reported significantly higher couple relationship quality than women with MAR exposure, and men without treatment exposure reported significantly lower infertility-related distress than men with exposure. The level of psychological distress depended on whether both or neither of the partners, or only one partner reported infertility-related distress. Couple relationship quality was not associated with distress, which may imply that dyadic dimensions other than overall satisfaction could be relevant in supporting couples facing infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nina Heinrichs
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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Martins R, Connolly MP. Valuing live births from assisted reproduction: A health economics viewpoint. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 85:149-158. [PMID: 36443158 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Infertility is a medical condition that can be overcome, thanks to advances in medically assisted reproductive (MAR) therapies. Despite the ultimate measure of MAR efficacy being the birth of a new human being, there are ethical and methodological questions as to which outcome best translates the value of MAR in cost-effectiveness analyses. Many authors favour cost per life birth outcomes instead of more traditional cost per quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), which raises generalizability issues for decision-makers. Nonetheless, infertility and infertility treatments substantially differ from other health conditions and health treatments, particularly in the way they affect the quality of life of the infertile couple. Collecting quality of life measures in infertility and pregnancy is also surrounded by challenges not easily overcome. We reflect on cost-effectiveness methods applied to MAR technologies, on ethical considerations for valuing a MAR-generated life, and on its broader societal value for consideration by decision-makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Martins
- Global Market Access Solutions, Health Economics Unit, St-Prex, Switzerland; University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Mark P Connolly
- Global Market Access Solutions, Health Economics Unit, St-Prex, Switzerland; Unit of Pharmacoepidemiology & Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Guo X. Longitudinal Dyadic Associations between Depressive Symptoms and Life Satisfaction among Chinese Married Couples and the Moderating Effect of Within-Dyad Age Discrepancy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192013277. [PMID: 36293854 PMCID: PMC9603023 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Family systems theory defines the family unit as a complex social system in which individual members influence and are influenced by each other. The current study aimed to investigate the longitudinal dyadic associations between life satisfaction and depressive symptoms among a sample of Chinese married couples and the moderating effect of within-dyad age discrepancy. The current sample included 5773 married couples who completed three waves of assessments of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) in 2012, 2016, and 2018. The sample was categorized into two groups based on the within-dyad age discrepancy: the younger-wife-older-husband dyads (n = 4280, 74.13%) and the older-wife-younger-husband dyads (n = 1493, 25.86%). The longitudinal actor-partner interdependence models with multiple-group analysis were used to analyze the data. The results showed that a majority of actor effects were significant across time, and the two groups exhibited the same pattern among the actor effects. The older-wife-younger-husband dyads showed fewer significant partner effects than the younger-wife-older-husband dyads, and most partner effects indicated mutual rather than unidirectional influence. These findings yielded support for the statement of family systems theory that family members interconnect and that the development of one's well-being needs to be understood in the context of the spouse's well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiamei Guo
- School of Public Policy, Xiamen University, Siming District, Xiamen 361005, China
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Hosseinpoor M, Masoumi SZ, Kazemi F, Soltani F, Ahmadpanah M. Investigating the effect of couple-centered counseling by Gottman method on the intimacy of infertile couples referring to the infertility Ward of Fatemieh hospital, Hamadan, Iran in 2020: a quasi-experimental study. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:581. [PMID: 36050679 PMCID: PMC9434942 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04228-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is among the most unpleasant experiences for couples struggling with it. Therefore, coping with its associated psychological burden has become a concern in many societies due to its negative impacts on couples' lives and intimacy levels. Lack of marital intimacy leads to unfortunate consequences such as dissatisfaction with marital relationships between spouses. Therefore, these people should be encouraged to find an effective solution to cope with infertility. Regarding the importance of the emotional relationship between infertile couples and the success rate of infertility treatment, this study aims to determine the effect of couple-centered counseling by the Gottman method on marital intimacy of infertile couples referred to the infertility ward of Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan. METHOD The sample of this quasi-experimental study included 60 infertile couples in the evaluation phase of treatment with primary infertility. We collected data in a referral infertility center in Hamadan (Iran) between December 2020 and May 2021. Marital intimacy was measured using Thompson & Walker's Marital Intimacy Questionnaire. At the beginning of the study, the intervention and control groups completed this questionnaire. The intervention group received Gottman couple-centered counseling based on GATHER principles in 8 sessions. The groups completed the questionnaires 4 weeks after the last intervention session again. If the distribution was normal, the ANCOVA test was used to evaluate the differences between the two groups. Intra-group comparisons were performed using paired t-test, and intergroup comparisons were performed using an independent t-test. RESULTS The mean score of female intimacy increased significantly after the intervention (P = 0.009). There was no significant difference in socio-demographic characteristics between groups (P < 0.05), both of which were adjusted in ANCOVA. After the intervention, the mean marital intimacy scores were significantly higher in women participating in the intervention group (from 75.6 (±10.63) to 78.86 (±7.87)). In addition, after the ANCOVA test, the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.009; MD: 3.74, CI: 0.95 and 6.52). The mean score of male marital intimacy increased after the intervention (from 78.93 (±10.21) to 78.9 (±9.79)), although the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.54; MD: -0.58, CI: - 2.51 and 1.34). CONCLUSION The findings support the effective role of Gottman's couple-centered counseling in increasing marital intimacy by raising couples' awareness about the principles of proper relationships between them. This outcome suggests that counseling with couples, especially in critical life situations, can improve their relationship in the infertility treatment process and prevent emotional divorce and other negative impacts on their lives. TRIAL REGISTRATION IRCT Registration Number IR.UMSHA.REC.1399.535, registered on 21/09/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrnoosh Hosseinpoor
- grid.411950.80000 0004 0611 9280Department of Midwifery and reproductive health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Zahra Masoumi
- Department of Midwifery and reproductive health, Mother and Child Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran.
| | - Farideh Kazemi
- grid.411950.80000 0004 0611 9280Department of Midwifery and reproductive health, Mother and Child Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Soltani
- grid.411950.80000 0004 0611 9280Department of Midwifery and reproductive health, Mother and Child Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ahmadpanah
- grid.411950.80000 0004 0611 9280Department of Psychiatry and clinical psychology, medicine school, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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Olisa NP, Campo-Engelstein L, Martins da Silva S. Male infertility: what on earth is going on? Pilot international questionnaire study regarding clinical evaluation and fertility treatment for men. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2022; 3:RAF-22-0033. [PMID: 36065802 PMCID: PMC9578063 DOI: 10.1530/raf-22-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a time-consuming and exhaustive process, which disproportionally affects women. Although concerns have been raised about deficiencies in clinical evaluation of infertile men, there is currently little published data documenting this. A SurveyMonkey questionnaire was therefore created to capture current clinical practice of fertility specialists working in IVF clinics. Responses were collected May - July 2021. 112 clinicians completed the pilot survey with respondents from Europe (n=49; 43.8%), Africa (n=39, 34.8%), North America (n=6; 5.4%), Asia (n=16; 14.3%), South America (n=1; 0.9%) and Australasia (n=1;0.9%). 41% fertility specialists (45/110) reported taking only a brief medical history and 24% reported that they never routinely examined infertile male patients. 54% fertility specialists also reported issues getting men to undertake diagnostic semen analysis. Treatment for male infertility spanned Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), with themes of individualised medicine influencing treatment recommendations. 48.2% clinicians reported using empirical medical therapy (EMT) for unexplained male infertility. Notably, 3.6% respondents recommended testosterone treatment, despite likely negative impact on spermatogenesis. However, high levels of opportunistic general health advice were reported, including discussion of life exposures thought to be important for male reproductive health. This study adds novel evidence and highlights current deficiencies in clinical practice relating to male infertility. Evaluation of the infertile male using simple medical tools (detailed history taking and clinical examination) has the potential to identify treatable or reversible conditions and should be an immediate focus for education and improvement in Reproductive Medicine. Investment in research and development is much needed in the field of andrology, to develop effective non-ART treatment options for male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nkoyenum Pamela Olisa
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Lisa Campo-Engelstein
- Institute for the Medical Humanities, Preventative Medicine and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA
| | - Sarah Martins da Silva
- Reproductive Medicine Research Group, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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Bueno-Sánchez L, Alhambra-Borrás T, Gallego-Valadés A, Garcés-Ferrer J. Quality of Life and Conformity to Gender Norms in Women Receiving Assisted Reproductive Technologies as a Potential Indicator of Mental Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10031. [PMID: 36011666 PMCID: PMC9408235 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of depression, stress, or anxiety in people receiving assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has been demonstrated. However, knowledge about the influence of gender norms on quality of life (QofL) during infertility treatment is limited. The main objective of this study was to confirm that patients undergoing ART present a vulnerable mental state, which may be an indicator of risk. For this purpose, a quasi-experimental cross-sectional study was carried out in the Assisted Reproduction Unit of the Hospital Politécnico Universitario de la Fe (Spain) in which a total of 438 women participated: 256 in pre-treatment and 182 in treatment. Two questionnaires were administered, FertiQol and CFNI-23, assessing self-perceived QofL and conformity to gender norms, respectively. The results showed significant differences between the pre-treatment and treatment groups on the FertiQol and its subscales. Significant associations were also found between the CFNI-23 factors and the FertiQol subscales. The results suggest that gender norms and ART interfere with women's mental health and QofL and should be considered as possible risk indicators by professionals preventively before the prenatal or perinatal stages. Future research should design prospective studies aimed at estimating the impact of clinical and sociodemographic variables on women and other groups receiving ART.
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Eshaghzadeh S, Abbaspour S, Sarboozi-hoseinabadi T, Eshaghzadeh M, Tatari M, Ramezani Nezhad M, Saravani H, Hamidi R, Aghabeigi A, Rahimi S, Sarmadi M. Quality of Life and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies in Multiple Sclerosis Patients. JOURNAL OF RATIONAL-EMOTIVE AND COGNITIVE-BEHAVIOR THERAPY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10942-022-00474-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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A dyadic approach to the study of perceived subfecundity and contraceptive use. DEMOGRAPHIC RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.4054/demres.2022.47.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Cipolletta S, Ravasio G, Bussotti M. Sexual and Reproductive Health in Women with Pulmonary Hypertension: A Qualitative Study. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:1647-1657. [PMID: 35165801 PMCID: PMC8853317 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02284-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating disease characterized by elevation in pulmonary artery pressure causing progressive symptoms: shortness of breath, fatigue, and a decline in functional ability. Research on the impact of PAH on sexual and reproductive health was sparse. The aim of this study is to explore sexual and reproductive health of women with PAH in relation to their illness experience. Twenty-five women with PAH participated in semistructured interviews. A thematic analysis was conducted on the transcripts using the ATLAS.ti software. Four main themes were identified: illness experience, intimate relationship, sexuality, and attitudes toward pregnancy. Results showed that illness changed women's self-perception, couples' relationship, sexuality, and the idea of an eventual pregnancy. The relationship with the partner was usually indicated as an important resource, whereas communication with health care professionals was a critical but also potential key resource for the future. Results point to the need for intervention strategies to support women with PAH and help them make aware choices. Moreover, intervention strategies may inform health care interventions and policies for tackling the challenges posed by this illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Cipolletta
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Via Venezia 8, 35131, Padua, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Ravasio
- Cardiology Rehabilitative Unit, IRCCS, Maugeri Clinical Scientific Institutes, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bussotti
- Cardiology Rehabilitative Unit, IRCCS, Maugeri Clinical Scientific Institutes, Milan, Italy
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Shi Z, Mao Z, Nie H, Geng L, Chen G, Li S. Development and validation of the health-related quality of life instrument for Chinese infertile couples: a mixed-methods study protocol. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2022; 20:54. [PMID: 35346222 PMCID: PMC8961984 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-022-01957-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infertility and its treatment have negative impacts on a couple’s marital relationship, sexual life, psychological state and interpersonal relationships, causing personal distress. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has become an important component of health outcomes. HRQoL instruments developed in western culture are not always appropriate for use in China due to cultural differences. Probably due to the unique concept of fertility in China, infertility patients can be looked down upon and the family may feel shameful. This study aims to develop a HRQoL instrument for infertile couples based on the Chinese social and cultural setting.
Methods Complementary mixed methods will be used to develop a new HRQoL instrument for Chinese infertile couples. The study consists of four stages: the first stage will involve a systematic review and qualitative interviews to construct draft candidate items. In the second stage, quantitative research [e.g., exploratory factor analysis (EFA), item response theory (IRT)] and cognitive interviews will be used for item selection. The third stage will be instrument validation, in which classical test theory (CTT) and IRT will be applied. In the final stage, the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) will be calculated by using distribution-based methods and anchor-based methods (e.g., logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic curve). Discussion The new HRQoL instrument for Chinese infertile couples will be developed, which will provide a standard and effective HRQoL instrument in clinical outcome assessment and health outcome measurement.
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Nakić Radoš S, Soljačić Vraneš H, Tomić J, Kuna K. Infertility-related stress and sexual satisfaction: a dyadic approach. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2022; 43:18-25. [PMID: 32326782 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2020.1752658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY to examine whether women's and men's infertility-related stress, and specifically its sexual concerns aspect, is related to their and their partner's sexual satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a cross-sectional study, 94 couples experiencing infertility filled out the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale and Fertility Problem Inventory, which measures infertility-related stress with dimensions of social, sexual and relationship concerns, rejection of childfree lifestyle, and need for parenthood. Dyadic analyses were performed following the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). RESULTS The dyadic analysis revealed that women's and men's greater infertility-related stress contributed to their lower levels of sexual satisfaction (actor effect). Moreover, women's and men's greater sexual concerns (as the aspect of infertility-related stress) contributed to their own and their partner's lower levels of sexual satisfaction (actor and partner effect). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that both individual and relational processes are important in the association between the specific dimension of infertility-related stress and sexual satisfaction. These findings could guide the psychosocial support for couples experiencing infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Nakić Radoš
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Hrvojka Soljačić Vraneš
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Centre Sisters of Mercy, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jozo Tomić
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Centre Sisters of Mercy, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Krunoslav Kuna
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Centre Sisters of Mercy, Zagreb, Croatia
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Leyser-Whalen O, Bombach B, Mahmoud S, Greil AL. From generalist to specialist: A qualitative study of the perceptions of infertility patients. REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE & SOCIETY ONLINE 2022; 14:204-215. [PMID: 35036590 PMCID: PMC8753058 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbms.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Few studies explore in-depth accounts of women's and men's experiences with, and transitions between, obstetrician/gynaecologists (OB/GYNs) and reproductive endocrinologists during infertility diagnostic and treatment processes. This study examined this subject matter with data from qualitative, in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Between April 2007 and March 2008, the first author interviewed 20 women and eight men from a large midwestern metropolitan area in the USA who had used, or were in the process of using, any fertility treatment in the 5 years preceding the interview. Six couples and 16 individuals were interviewed, resulting in narratives of 22 distinct infertility journeys. The main complaints made by respondents about OB/GYNs were that they were insufficiently concerned with providing timely treatment and that they paid insufficient attention to male partners. Women felt that their concerns were taken more seriously by reproductive endocrinologists, but complained of insensitivity, depersonalization and misinformation, and were suspicious of a profit orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ophra Leyser-Whalen
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Brianne Bombach
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Sara Mahmoud
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Arthur L. Greil
- Division of Social Sciences, Alfred University, Alfred, NY, USA
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Perceived Partner's Self-Control and Social Support Effects on Relationship Satisfaction in Couples Experiencing Infertility or Miscarriage: Dyadic Analyses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19041970. [PMID: 35206157 PMCID: PMC8872363 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19041970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The process that infertile couples and those after a miscarriage go through is unpredictable and difficult to control; therefore, it is associated with a lowered sense of control for both partners. Uncontrolled stress creates a higher level of anxiety, which is associated not only with a lower quality of life but also with worse results from infertility treatment and higher risks of miscarriage. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the partner’s perceived self-control and marital satisfaction in the context of the partners’ coping strategies. The actor-partner interdependence model was applied to 90 heterosexual married couples. Our results show that men who perceive their wives as being more self-controlled and women who are perceived by their husbands as being more self-controlled feel more satisfied in their relationships. The effect of a partner’s perceived self-control on satisfaction with the relationship was weaker when controlled for the length of marriage. It also appeared to be moderated through the spouses’ use of social support. We conclude that the effects of the partner’s perceived self-control and social support are strong for marital satisfaction in the context of infertility and miscarriage.
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Boedt T, Willaert N, Lie Fong S, Dancet E, Spiessens C, Raes F, Matthys C, Van der Gucht K. Evaluation of a stand-alone mobile mindfulness app in people experiencing infertility: the protocol for an exploratory randomised controlled trial (MoMiFer-RCT). BMJ Open 2022; 12:e050088. [PMID: 35110309 PMCID: PMC8811542 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Infertility and its treatment bring a considerable emotional burden. Increasing evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of smartphone-delivered mindfulness apps for reducing symptoms of emotional distress in both clinical and non-clinical populations. Evidence on this topic in women, men and couples experiencing infertility is currently under-represented. The aim of the MoMiFer study is, therefore, to investigate the efficacy of a stand-alone mobile mindfulness app on symptoms of emotional distress and fertility-related quality of life in people experiencing infertility. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study is an exploratory randomised controlled trial (RCT) with open enrollment. The primary outcomes are symptoms of emotional distress and fertility-related quality of life. Secondary outcomes are mindfulness skills, repetitive negative thinking, self-compassion, user-rated quality of the stand-alone mobile mindfulness app and use of the app. Experience sampling method and standardised self-report questionnaires are combined within a repeated measures design to measure the effects of the stand-alone mobile mindfulness app on the primary and secondary outcomes, apart from the use of the app. The latter will be evaluated through app tracking. People, including women, men and couples, experiencing infertility (n=60) will be randomised to an intervention group receiving the stand-alone mobile mindfulness app for 3 months or a wait-list control group. The app follows the format and content of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Data will be collected at baseline, at 1.5 months and 3 months after randomisation. Analysis will be according to intention to treat and based on general linear modelling and multilevel mixed-effects modelling. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study received approval from the Medical Ethical Committee of the Leuven University Hospital (Belgium). The findings of this exploratory RCT will be disseminated through presentations at public lectures, scientific institutions and meetings, and through peer-reviewed scientific articles. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04143828.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessy Boedt
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Mindfulness Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nele Willaert
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sharon Lie Fong
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eline Dancet
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carl Spiessens
- Leuven University Fertility Centre, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Filip Raes
- Leuven Mindfulness Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christophe Matthys
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, Clinical Nutrition, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katleen Van der Gucht
- Leuven Mindfulness Centre, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Casu G, Zaia V, Montagna E, de Padua Serafim A, Bianco B, Barbosa CP, Gremigni P. The Infertility-Related Stress Scale: Validation of a Brazilian-Portuguese Version and Measurement Invariance Across Brazil and Italy. Front Psychol 2022; 12:784222. [PMID: 35095671 PMCID: PMC8792459 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.784222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility constitutes an essential source of stress in the individual and couple’s life. The Infertility-Related Stress Scale (IRSS) is of clinical interest for exploring infertility-related stress affecting the intrapersonal and interpersonal domains of infertile individuals’ lives. In the present study, the IRSS was translated into Brazilian–Portuguese, and its factor structure, reliability, and relations to sociodemographic and infertility-related characteristics and depression were examined. A sample of 553 Brazilian infertile individuals (54.2% female, mean aged 36 ± 6 years) completed the Brazilian–Portuguese IRSS (IRSS-BP), and a subsample of 222 participants also completed the BDI-II. A sample of 526 Italian infertile individuals (54.2% female, mean aged 38 ± 6 years) was used to test for the IRSS measurement invariance across Brazil and Italy. Results of exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) indicated that a bifactor solution best represented the structure underlying the IRSS-BP. Both the general and the two specific intrapersonal and interpersonal IRSS-BP factors showed satisfactory levels of composite reliability. The bifactor ESEM solution replicated well across countries. As evidence of relations to other variables, female gender, a longer duration of infertility, and higher depression were associated with higher scores in global and domain-specific infertility-related stress. The findings offer initial evidence of validity and reliability of the IRSS-BP, which could be used by fertility clinic staff to rapidly identify patients who need support to deal with the stressful impact of infertility in the intrapersonal and interpersonal life domains, as recommended by international guidelines for routine psychosocial care in infertility settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Casu
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Victor Zaia
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Centro Universitário FMABC, Santo André, Brazil.,Ideia Fértil Institute of Reproductive Health, Centro Universitário FMABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Erik Montagna
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Centro Universitário FMABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Antonio de Padua Serafim
- Neuropsychology Unit, Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Psychology, Methodist University of São Paulo, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Bianca Bianco
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Centro Universitário FMABC, Santo André, Brazil.,Ideia Fértil Institute of Reproductive Health, Centro Universitário FMABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Caio Parente Barbosa
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Centro Universitário FMABC, Santo André, Brazil.,Ideia Fértil Institute of Reproductive Health, Centro Universitário FMABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Paola Gremigni
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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49
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Ďurašková G, Peterson B. Posttraumatic Growth in Women With a Long-Standing Experience of Involuntary Childlessness in the Czech Republic. JOURNAL OF HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/00221678211068291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This qualitative research study aimed to examine aspects of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in women with a long-standing experience of involuntary childlessness. In-depth semi-structured interviews, lasting an average of 53 min, were conducted in the Czech Republic. Twenty-four women, averaging 38.8 years old with an average of 6.2 years of infertility experience, participated. They were asked how involuntary childlessness affected/changed their partnerships, sexual life, job, future plans, attitude to children/values/faith, and leisure time. Participants shared both positive and negative aspects of the infertility experience. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Five main themes of PTG were identified: strengthening of partnership, greater humility, deeper self-appreciation, reassessment of relationships, and changes in the philosophy of life. These findings could be useful to mental health providers to facilitate the PTG process in patients.
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Roozitalab S, Rahimzadeh M, Mirmajidi SR, Ataee M, Esmaelzadeh Saeieh S. The Relationship Between Infertility, Stress, and Quality of Life with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Infertile Women. J Reprod Infertil 2022; 22:282-288. [PMID: 34987990 PMCID: PMC8669410 DOI: 10.18502/jri.v22i4.7654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The infertility experience and its treatment are accompanied by the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of this study was determining the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder and quality of life and the infertile women’s stress. Methods: In this descriptive-analytic study, 172 infertile women were divided in four groups. Convenience sampling was done and eligible infertile women referred to Qafqaz Infertility Center in Iran were included in the study. The data was collected between January and March 2019 through posttraumatic stress disorder checklist, The Fertility Quality of Life (FertiQoL) questionnaire, and Newton's infertility stress questionnaire. Pearson correlation, linear regression analysis, and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were applied for data analysis with a significance level of 0.05. Results: The results of two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that there was no significant relationship between the type of treatment (p=0.548) and the reception of psychological intervention (p=0.450). In addition, the results of Pearson correlation showed that there was an inverse significant relationship between the total score of posttraumatic stress disorder and quality of life (r=−0.91, p<0.001) and a direct relationship between the total score of posttraumatic stress disorder and level of stress (r=0.56, p<0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that 41.3% of the infertile women had the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder. Due to the relationships of posttraumatic stress disorder with the quality of life and infertility stress, providing regular designed psychological interventions is recommended for infertile individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Roozitalab
- Student Research Committee, School of Medical Sciences, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mitra Rahimzadeh
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Public Health, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | | | - Mina Ataee
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.,Avicenna Fertility Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Esmaelzadeh Saeieh
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Public Health, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
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