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Ribeiro S, Pedro J, Martins MV. Psychosocial experiences of involuntary definitive childless women: a comparative study based on reproductive status. Hum Reprod 2024; 39:559-568. [PMID: 38290160 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae001] [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: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do involuntary definitive childless women have lower psychosocial adjustment levels than women with infertility diagnoses actively trying to conceive and presumably fertile women? SUMMARY ANSWER Involuntary definitive childless women have lower levels of sexual functioning than infertile women actively trying to conceive and presumably fertile women, and higher levels of depression than presumably fertile women. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Involuntary definitive childless defines those who wanted to become parents but were unable to do so. Studies have provided evidence about infertility and its psychosocial consequences, but there is a lack of knowledge about the impact of involuntary definitive childlessness, namely on sexual function, social support, marital satisfaction, and psychological adjustment. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This associative study was conducted between July 2021 and January 2022 for involuntary definitive childless women and between July 2016 and February 2018 for women with an infertility diagnosis actively trying to conceive as well as presumably fertile women. An online questionnaire announced in social media and gynaecology and fertility clinics was used. The inclusion criteria for all participants were being childless, in a heterosexual relationship and cohabiting for at least 2 years. Specific inclusion criteria for involuntary definitive childless women were: trying to conceive for at least 2 years; not achieving pregnancy because of biological and medical constraints; and not undergoing fertility treatment or being a candidate for adopting a child at time of the study. For women with an infertility diagnosis the inclusion criteria were: actively trying to conceive (naturally or through fertility treatments); having a primary fertility diagnosis; and aged between 22 and 42 years old. For presumably fertile women, the inclusion criteria were: having a parenthood wish in the future; and not knowing of any condition that could prevent them from conceiving. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Out of 360 women completing the survey, only 203 were eligible for this study (60 involuntary definitive childless women, 78 women with an infertility diagnosis actively trying to conceive, and 65 presumably fertile women). All participants completed a questionnaire including sociodemographic and clinical data, the Female Sexual Function Index, the 2-Way Social Support Scale, the Relationship Assessment Scale, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess the relation between sexual function, social support, marital satisfaction, anxiety, depression, and reproductive status, adjusting for age, and cohabitation length. Presumably fertile women were used as a reference group. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Women were 34.31 years old (SD = 5.89) and cohabited with their partners for 6.55 years (SD = 4.57). The odds ratio (OR) showed that involuntary definitive childless women had significantly lower sexual function than infertile women actively trying to conceive (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.79-0.99) and presumably fertile women (OR = 34.89, 95% CI = 1.98-614.03), and higher depression levels than presumably fertile women (OR = 99.89, 95% CI = 3.29-3037.87). Women with an infertility diagnosis actively trying to conceive did not differ from presumably fertile women in sexual function, social support, marital satisfaction, anxiety, and depression. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The majority of childless women underwent fertility treatments, and childlessness for circumstantial reasons owing to lack of a partner was not included, therefore these results may not reflect the experiences of all women with an involuntary childless lifestyle. There was a time gap in the recruitment process, and only the definitive childlessness group filled out the questionnaire after the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We did not ask participants if they self-identified themselves with the groups' terminology they were assigned to. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results emphasize the importance of future research to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the adjustment experiences of childless women and an awareness of the poor adjustment they might experience, highlighting the need to keep following women after unsuccessful treatments. Clinical practitioners must attend to these dimensions when consulting involuntary definitive childless women who might not have gone through treatments but also experience these adverse outcomes. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was partially supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology. The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ribeiro
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Juliana Pedro
- Centre for Reproductive Genetics A.Barros, Porto, Portugal
- Center for Psychology at University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Veloso Martins
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Center for Psychology at University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Biggs SN, Halliday J, Hammarberg K. Psychological consequences of a diagnosis of infertility in men: a systematic analysis. Asian J Androl 2024; 26:10-19. [PMID: 37695221 PMCID: PMC10846829 DOI: 10.4103/aja202334] [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: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Almost half of infertility cases involve male infertility. Understanding the consequence of a diagnosis of male infertility, as a sole or partial contributor to the couples' infertility, to the mental health of men is required to ensure clinical care meets their psychological needs. The aim of this systematic analysis was to synthesize the evidence regarding whether men diagnosed with male factor infertility experience greater psychological distress than (1) men described as fertile and (2) men in couples with other infertility diagnoses. Online databases were searched using a combination of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) headings and keywords relating to male infertility and psychological distress. The search yielded 1016 unique publications, of which 23 were included: 8 case-control, 14 prospective cohort, and 1 data linkage studies. Seven aspects of psychological distress were identified depression, anxiety, self-esteem, quality of life, fertility-related stress, general psychological stress or well-being, and psychiatric conditions. Case-control studies reported that men with male factor infertility have more symptoms of depression, anxiety and general psychological distress, worse quality of some aspects of life, and lower self-esteem than controls. When men with male factor infertility were compared to men in couples with other causes of infertility, there were few differences in the assessed aspects of psychological distress. Despite methodological limitations within the studies, this systematic analysis suggests that the experience of infertility, irrespective of its cause, negatively affects men's mental health and demonstrates the need for assisted reproduction technology (ART) providers to consider men undergoing assisted reproduction as individuals with their own unique support needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N Biggs
- Reproductive Epidemiology, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne 3052, Australia
| | - Jane Halliday
- Reproductive Epidemiology, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
| | - Karin Hammarberg
- Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
- Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority, Melbourne 3000, Australia
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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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Colombo C, Pistoljevic-Kristiansen N, Saupstad M, Bergenheim SJ, Spangmose AL, Klajnbard A, la Cour Freiesleben N, Løkkegaard EC, Englund AL, Husth M, Breth Knudsen U, Alsbjerg B, Prætorius L, Løssl K, Schmidt L, Pinborg A. Does luteal phase progesterone supplementation affect physical and psychosocial well-being among women undergoing modified natural cycle-FET? A sub-study of a randomized controlled trial. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:1970-1980. [PMID: 37634089 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead171] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are there any differences in physical and psychosocial well-being among women undergoing modified natural cycle frozen embryo transfer (mNC-FET) with or without vaginal progesterone as luteal phase support (LPS)? SUMMARY ANSWER Women undergoing mNC-FET with vaginal progesterone supplementation were more likely to experience physical discomfort but there was no difference in psychosocial well-being between the two groups. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY mNC-FET can be carried out with or without vaginal progesterone as LPS, which has several side-effects. It is commonly known that fertility treatment can cause stress and psychosocial strain, however, most studies on this subject are conducted in fresh cycle regimes, which differ from NC-FET and results may not be comparable. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a sub-study of an ongoing RCT investigating whether progesterone supplementation has a positive effect on live birth rate in mNC-FET. The RCT is conducted at eight fertility clinics in Denmark from 2019 and is planned to end primo 2024. The sub-study is based on two questionnaires on physical and psychosocial well-being added to the RCT in August 2019. On the time of data extraction 286 women had answered both questionnaires. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women who had answered both questionnaires were included in the sub-study. Participants were equally distributed, with 143 in each of the two groups. Participants in both groups received the same questionnaires at two time-points: on cycle day 2-5 (baseline) and after blastocyst transfer. Participants in the progesterone group had administered progesterone for 7 days upon answering the second questionnaire. All items in the questionnaires were validated. Items on psychosocial well-being originate from the Copenhagen Multi-Centre Psychosocial Infertility-Fertility Problem Stress Scale (COMPI-FPSS) and from the Mental Health Inventory-5. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Women receiving progesterone experienced more vaginal itching and/or burning than women in the non-progesterone group (P < 0.001). Women in the progesterone group also experienced more self-reported vaginal yeast infection, this was, however, not significant after adjustment for multiple testing (P/adjusted P = 0.049/0.881). No differences regarding psychosocial well-being were found between the two groups. Within the progesterone group, a shift toward feeling less 'downhearted and blue' was found when comparing response distribution at baseline and after blastocyst transfer (P < 0.001). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION All items on physical symptoms were self-reported. The item on vaginal yeast infection was therefore not diagnosed by a doctor. Inclusion in the study required a few extra visits to the clinic, participants who felt more burdened by fertility treatment might have been more likely to decline participation. Women who experienced a lot of side-effects to progesterone prior to this FET cycle, might be less likely to participate. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results are in line with previous known side-effects to progesterone. Physical side-effects of progesterone should be considered before administration. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The RCT is fully supported by Rigshospitalet's Research Foundation and a grant from Gedeon Richter. Gedeon Richter were not involved in the design of protocol nor in the conduction of the study or analysis of results. A.P., L.P., and N.I.-C.F. report grants from Gedeon Richter, Ferring and Merck with no relations to this study. N.I.-C.F. has received travel support from Ferring, Merck A/S, & Gideon Richter, and is the head of the steering committee for the Danish Fertility Guidelines made by the members of from the Danish Fertility Society. A.P. reports consulting fees from Preglem, Novo Nordisk, Ferring, Gedeon Richter, Cryos, & Merck A/S, honoraria from Gedeon Richter, Ferring, Merck A/S, Theramex, and Organon, has received travel support from Gedeon Richter (payment to institution), participated on an advisory board for Preglem and was loaned an embryoscope from Gedeon Richter to their institution. A.L.S. has stock options for Novo Nordisk B A/S. B.A. have received unrestricted grant from Gedeon Richter Nordic and Merck and honoraria for lectures from Gedeon Richter, Merck, IBSA, and Marckyrl Pharma. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The RCT is registered on ClinicalTrials. gov (NCT03795220) and in EudraCT (2018-002207-34).
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Colombo
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The Fertility Department, Section 4071, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Nina Pistoljevic-Kristiansen
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The Fertility Department, Section 4071, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Marte Saupstad
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The Fertility Department, Section 4071, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Sara Johanna Bergenheim
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The Fertility Department, Section 4071, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Anne Lærke Spangmose
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The Fertility Department, Section 4071, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Anna Klajnbard
- Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital-Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Nina la Cour Freiesleben
- Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ellen Christine Løkkegaard
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital-North Zealand, Hillerød, Denmark
| | | | - Merete Husth
- Fertility Unit and Centre for Preimplantation Genetic Test, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Ulla Breth Knudsen
- Fertility Clinic, Horsens Regional Hospital and Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Horsens, Denmark
| | | | - Lisbeth Prætorius
- Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Kristine Løssl
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The Fertility Department, Section 4071, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Lone Schmidt
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Pinborg
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The Fertility Department, Section 4071, The Juliane Marie Centre for Women, Children and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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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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Foti FL, Karner-Huţuleac A, Maftei A. The value of motherhood and psychological distress among infertile women: The mediating role of coping strategies. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1024438. [PMID: 36817897 PMCID: PMC9931740 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1024438] [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: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The present study investigated psychological distress and coping strategies among infertile women during the COVID-19 pandemic using a multi-dimensional model of infertility-related stress. We explored the associations between individual (i.e., age) and situational characteristics related to infertility (i.e., duration of infertility, cause of infertility, number of lost pregnancies, and assisted reproductive techniques [ART] status), and perceived-infertility-related factors (i.e., the perceived importance of motherhood). Methods Our total sample consisted of 193 women aged 20 to 46 (M= 33.23, SD = 4.58), out of which 102 were undergoing ART procedures (M = 33.60, SD = 4.23), and 91 were not (M= 32.81, SD = 4.94). Participants filled in questionnaires measuring psychological distress, coping strategies, and the importance of motherhood. Results Correlation analyses suggested that the importance of motherhood was positively associated with psychological distress and negative coping strategies. Mediation analysis results indicated that both in the overall sample and in the sample of women undergoing ART procedures, the negative self-perception fully mediated the link between the importance of motherhood on psychological distress. In the non-ART sample, we found a significant mediation effect of denial on the link between the importance of motherhood and psychological distress. Discussion We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of the present findings, focusing on the mental health-related consequences of the social stigma of infertility heightened by the pressure of parenthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florentina Larisa Foti
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Adina Karner-Huţuleac
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, Iaşi, Romania
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Guštin K, Globevnik Velikonja V, Vrtačnik-Bokal E, Lep Ž, Svetina M. Self-blame predicts anxiety and depression in infertile couples who opt for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2022:1-10. [DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2143541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Guštin
- Fran Milčinski Upbringing-Educational Institute Smlednik, Smlednik 1216 Slovenia
| | | | - Eda Vrtačnik-Bokal
- Ljubljana’s University Medical Centre, Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ljubljana 1000 Slovenia
| | - Žan Lep
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Arts, Department of Psychology, Ljubljana 1000 Slovenia
- Educational Research Institute, Centre for Applied Epistemology, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Matija Svetina
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Arts, Department of Psychology, Ljubljana 1000 Slovenia
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Peixoto C, Ribeiro TTDSB, Fernandes LBDM, Cardoso A, Veras AB. Perdas, Luto e Sofrimento Mental em Mulheres no Climatério. REVISTA PSICOLOGIA E SAÚDE 2022. [DOI: 10.20435/pssa.v14i2.1356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Este trabalho tem por objetivo discutir que a maior incidência de adoecimento mental no climatério decorre principalmente das perdas experimentadas nesta etapa da vida. Para cumprir este objetivo, recorremos a uma análise qualitativa de viés psicanalítico, com base na experiência de pesquisadores envolvidos em um estudo transversal, com 130 mulheres climatéricas, com idade entre 45 e 65 anos. As principais queixas observadas foram organizadas em grupos por similaridade temática. Observou-se que, no período do climatério, o luto se instala por diferentes perdas percebidas pelas mulheres. A maioria dessas perdas está relacionada a questões de estética, de fertilidade, projeto de vida e as perdas sociais vivenciadas. Concluímos que o adoecimento mental observado no climatério pode ser o sintoma que se forma para denunciar um contexto de perdas. A compreensão dessas perdas e da instalação de um processo de luto pode permitir um olhar mais humano e cuidado mais eficiente.
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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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Zhu H, Shi L, Wang R, Cui L, Wang J, Tang M, Qian H, Wei M, Wang L, Zhou H, Xu W. Global Research Trends on Infertility and Psychology From the Past Two Decades: A Bibliometric and Visualized Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:889845. [PMID: 35903282 PMCID: PMC9317298 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.889845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the global scientific output of research on infertility and psychology; explore the current status and trends in this field through the cooperation of authors, countries, and institutions; shed light on the direction of clinical infertility research in the future, and provide inspiration for targeted diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Methods Research publications on infertility and psychology from the past two decades were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Bibliometric analyses were performed using VOSviewer software and the bibliometrix R package. Network maps were generated to evaluate the collaborations between different authors, countries, institutions, and keywords. Results A total of 151 articles related to the study of infertility and psychology were identified. We observed a gradual increase in the number of publications from 2001 to 2021, and the trend has been relatively stable in the past eight years. Human Reproduction (England), as the leading journal publishing the most papers (29 articles), was cited in the most journals (1208 times). Boivin J was the most prolific author (16 articles), with the largest number of citations (890 times) and the highest h-index (14) during the past decades. Boivin J was also the leader with the highest publication frequency and more active cooperation with other top authors. The United Kingdom (34 papers) and Cardiff University (25 articles) contributed the most publications and were the leading contributors in this field. Active cooperation between countries and between institutions was observed, and analyses of articles and references were also shown. The main hot topics included matters related to women (39 times), in-vitro salt (31 times), infertility (30 times), couples (25 times), and impact (24 times). Conclusion Our study results provide a comprehensive overview of the development of scientific literature, allowing relevant authors and research teams to recognize the current research status in this field. At the same time, infertility and psychology may soon become hotspots and should be closely monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongkun Zhu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingli Shi
- Department of Reproduction, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Lijuan Cui
- Department of Pathology, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Department of Reproduction, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Mengyu Tang
- Department of Reproduction, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Haiqing Qian
- Department of Reproduction, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Minggang Wei
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lihong Wang
- Department of Reproduction, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
| | - Huifang Zhou
- Department of Gynaecology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenting Xu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Department of Reproduction, Zhangjiagang TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, China
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11
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Danis R, Sriprasert I, Petok W, Stone J, Paulson R, Samplaski M. Does male fertility-related quality of life differ when undergoing evaluation by reproductive urologist versus reproductive endocrinologist? HUM FERTIL 2022:1-8. [PMID: 35762174 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2022.2081095] [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: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The female infertility experience is well-described, but the male experience is less explored. We sought to understand if fertility motivations and quality of life differ for males undergoing fertility evaluation by a reproductive urologist (RU) versus a reproductive endocrinologist (RE). A cross-sectional study of 201 males undergoing fertility evaluation at an academic centre, by either a RU or RE, over a 2-year period, was performed. A survey was administered, with demographic, medical, and fertility motivations questions, and the validated Fertility Quality of Life (FertiQoL) questionnaire. Responses were compared by provider type using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and t-test. Most men (91.1%) pursued evaluation because of a mutual desire for children. RE evaluated males were older, earned higher incomes, and were more likely to pursue IVF versus those RU evaluated (p < 0.05). Men evaluated by RUs had lower FertiQoL scores, (p < 0.05), which correlated with having known male factor infertility (p < 0.05). Nearly all (96.2%) men evaluated by RUs indicated this was helpful for understanding their infertility. Our findings provide new insight into the male fertility evaluation experience. Despite the lower QoL seen by men seeing a RU, nearly all men reported that a RU evaluation was helpful for understanding their infertility experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Danis
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Intira Sriprasert
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - William Petok
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Jesse Stone
- USC Fertility, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Richard Paulson
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology; Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,USC Fertility, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mary Samplaski
- Institute of Urology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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12
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Priskorn L, Tøttenborg SS, Almstrup K, Andersson AM, Axelsson J, Bräuner EV, Elenkov A, Freiesleben NLC, Giwercman YL, Grøndahl ML, Hansen AH, Hansen LS, Henic E, Kitlinski ML, Landersoe SK, Lindh C, Løkkegaard EL, Malm J, Olsen KW, Petersen KU, Schmidt L, Stormlund S, Svendsen PF, Vassard D, Wang NF, Zedeler A, Bhasin S, Chavarro J, Eisenberg ML, Hauser R, Huhtaniemi I, Krawetz SA, Marko-Varga G, Salonia A, Toppari J, Juul A, Jørgensen N, Nielsen HS, Pinborg A, Rylander L, Giwercman A. RUBIC (ReproUnion Biobank and Infertility Cohort): A binational clinical foundation to study risk factors, life course, and treatment of infertility and infertility-related morbidity. Andrology 2021; 9:1828-1842. [PMID: 34114375 PMCID: PMC10015988 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility affects 15%-25% of all couples during their reproductive life span. It is a significant societal and public health problem with potential psychological, social, and economic consequences. Furthermore, infertility has been linked to adverse long-term health outcomes. Despite the advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques available, approximately 30% of infertile couples do not obtain a live birth after fertility treatment. For these couples, there are no further options to increase their chances of a successful pregnancy and live birth. OBJECTIVES Three overall questions will be studied: (1) What are the risk factors and natural life courses of infertility, early embryonic loss, and adverse pregnancy outcomes? (2) Can we develop new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for fecundity and treatment success? And (3) what are the health characteristics of women and men in infertile couples at the time of fertility treatment and during long-term follow-up? MATERIAL AND METHODS ReproUnion Biobank and Infertility Cohort (RUBIC) is established as an add-on to the routine fertility management at Copenhagen University Hospital Departments in the Capital Region of Denmark and Reproductive Medicine Centre at Skåne University Hospital in Sweden. The aim is to include a total of 5000 couples equally distributed between Denmark and Sweden. The first patients were enrolled in June 2020. All eligible infertile couples are prospectively asked to participate in the project. Participants complete an extensive questionnaire and undergo a physical examination and collection of biospecimens (blood, urine, hair, saliva, rectal swabs, feces, semen, endometrial biopsies, and vaginal swabs). After the cohort is established, the couples will be linked to the Danish and Swedish national registers to obtain information on parental, perinatal, childhood, and adult life histories, including disease and medication history. This will enable us to understand the causes of infertility and identify novel therapeutic options for this important societal problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laerke Priskorn
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sandra Søgaard Tøttenborg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna-Maria Andersson
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jonatan Axelsson
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Elvira Vaclavik Bräuner
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Angel Elenkov
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Nina la Cour Freiesleben
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Marie Louise Grøndahl
- Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ann Holm Hansen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Laura Smidt Hansen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emir Henic
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | - Selma Kloeve Landersoe
- Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ellen Leth Løkkegaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Copenhagen University Hospital - North Zealand, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johan Malm
- Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | - Kajsa Uglevig Petersen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lone Schmidt
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sacha Stormlund
- Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pernille Fog Svendsen
- Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev and Gentofte, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ditte Vassard
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nathalie Friis Wang
- Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Zedeler
- Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shalender Bhasin
- Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism, Boston Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jorge Chavarro
- Departments of Nutrition and Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology and Obstetrics & Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Departments of Environmental Health and Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen A Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Andrea Salonia
- Graduate School of Urology, University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrated Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henriette Svarre Nielsen
- The Fertility Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital - Amager and Hvidovre, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anja Pinborg
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Fertility Department, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Rylander
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Aleksander Giwercman
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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13
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Amiri SE, Brassard A, Rosen NO, Rossi MA, Beaulieu N, Bergeron S, Péloquin K. Sexual Function and Satisfaction in Couples with Infertility: A Closer Look at the Role of Personal and Relational Characteristics. J Sex Med 2021; 18:1984-1997. [PMID: 34702685 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research to date suggests that couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) are at a high risk of experiencing sexual difficulties. AIM This dyadic cross-sectional study aimed to provide a better understanding of the infertility-specific personal (ie, emotional, mind-body) and relational stressors associated with the sexual desire, orgasm, arousal, and sexual satisfaction of infertile couples seeking ART. METHODS The sample included 185 mixed-sex infertile couples seeking ART. Participants completed online the Fertility Quality of Life tool and either the Female Sexual Function Index or the International Index of Erectile Function. Data were analyzed using path analyses based on the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model. OUTCOMES Individuals' own and their partners' sexual function (desire, orgasm, arousal domains) and sexual satisfaction. RESULTS For men and women, infertility-related emotional stressors were associated with their own and their partner's lower sexual desire. For women, experiencing greater infertility-related emotional stressors was also associated with their partner's lower sexual satisfaction. While experiencing greater infertility-related mind-body stressors was not associated with men and women's own sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction, for women, it was associated with their partner's lower sexual arousal. Lastly, for men and women, infertility-related relational stressors were associated with their own lower sexual arousal, as well as with their own and their partner's lower sexual satisfaction. For women, experiencing greater relational stressors was also associated with their own lower sexual desire and orgasm. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Interventions addressing the emotional, mind-body, and relational spheres of infertile couples seeking ART may help facilitate improvements in sexual function and satisfaction and better serve their needs. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS This study included a large sample of couples. Our sample was heterogeneous with regards to couples' cause of infertility and treatment stage. The use of an infertility-related measure allowed us to better capture personal and relational stressors specific to couples seeking ART. Given the cross-sectional design of our study, causality between infertility-related stressors and sexual function and satisfaction cannot be inferred. Our sample included predominantly White, mixed-sex individuals with a high level of education, which may reduce the generalizability of our findings. CONCLUSION Couples' subjective experience of infertility and treatment (personal and relational stressors) seems to be strongly associated with their sexual health, allowing us to identify potential targets of intervention with couples seeking ART. S.E. Amiri, A Brassard, N.O. Rosen, et al. Sexual Function and Satisfaction in Couples with Infertility: A Closer Look at the Role of Personal and Relational Characteristics. J Sex Med 2021;18:1984-1997.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawsane El Amiri
- Departement of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Audrey Brassard
- Departement of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Natalie O Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Meghan A Rossi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Noémie Beaulieu
- Departement of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sophie Bergeron
- Departement of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Katherine Péloquin
- Departement of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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14
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Vioreanu AM. Psychological Impact of Infertility. Directions for the Development of Interventions. Ment Health (Lond) 2021. [DOI: 10.32437/mhgcj.v4i1.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Infertility represents a major health problem that oftentimes is experienced as a crisis situation. Because it interposes with achieving an important life goal, that of having children, its implications on the psycho-emotional level are robust.
Purpose: The present article aimed at exploring the multidimensional effects of infertility on mental health, as well as suitable psychological intervention strategies for patients both at an individual and couple level.
Methodology: An extensive literature review was conducted to select the most relevant information. Articles included were searched in PubMed, Google Scholar and other similar databases within a seven years interval (2014-2021) to assure the up-to-date quality of the paper. The main criteria of inclusion were: studies about the consequences of infertility on mental health, epidemiology, risk and protective factors, psychological models for infertility, psychological evaluation, established instruments, psycho-social and therapeutic interventions, intervention protocols used in public health for infertility patients.
Results and Discussion: Infertility is often experienced as a crisis situation, in which the most common consequences are visible at the level of mood disorders (e.g. anxiety, depression, marked distress) and at the social level (stigma, divorce, social isolation, financial difficulties). Psychological counseling is needed throughout medical treatment and therapeutic interventions (e.g. cognitive-behavioral therapy) have shown favorable results in managing the emotional balance of the individual/couple and reducing the risk of psychopathology.
Conclusions: Research highlights the beneficial effects of psychological interventions on reducing levels of stress related to infertility, anxiety and depressive symptoms and on improving the quality of life and couple dynamics
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15
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The relationship between infertility family stigma, self-stigma and psychological well-being in female first-visit patients at a reproductive medicine center in Taiwan. HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY REPORT 2021. [DOI: 10.5114/hpr.2021.107335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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16
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Chaves C, Canavarro MC, Moura-Ramos M. The Role of Dyadic Coping on the Marital and Emotional Adjustment of Couples With Infertility. FAMILY PROCESS 2019; 58:509-523. [PMID: 29709057 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Infertility is a challenging experience, affecting individual and couples' adjustment. However, the way the members of the couple support each other may affect the experience of infertility and their adjustment. This study aimed to investigate the role of dyadic coping by oneself and by the partner in the association between the impact of infertility and dyadic and emotional adjustment (anxiety and depression) to infertility. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 134 participants (67 couples with infertility) completed self-report questionnaires assessing infertility-related stress, dyadic coping, dyadic adjustment, and depression and anxiety symptoms. A path analysis examined the direct and indirect effects between the impact of infertility in one's life and dyadic and emotional adjustment. There is an indirect effect of the impact of infertility in one's life on dyadic adjustment through men's perceived dyadic coping efforts employed by the self (dyadic coping by oneself) and women's perceived dyadic coping efforts of the partner (dyadic coping by the partner). Regarding the emotional adjustment of infertile couples, infertility stress impact had an indirect effect only on depressive symptoms through men's dyadic coping by oneself. The results highlight the importance of men's dyadic coping strategies for the marital adjustment of couples as well as for men's emotional adjustment. Findings emphasize the importance of involving men in the fertility treatment process, reinforcing the dyadic nature of infertility processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Chaves
- Department of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Mariana Moura-Ramos
- Reproductive Medicine Unit of Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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17
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Dawadi S, Takefman J, Zelkowitz P. Fertility patients demonstrate an unmet need for the provision of psychological information: A cross sectional study. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2018; 101:1852-1858. [PMID: 30168420 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2018.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the provision of information by health care providers (HCPs) to fertility patients about accessing psychological resources. METHODS This study utilized data from a cross-sectional survey of 659 male and female patients seeking fertility treatment at clinics in Toronto and Montreal. Regression analyses were used to assess if sociodemographic and treatment variables were associated with the receipt of information, the desire for information, the helpfulness of the information, and the likelihood that participants had sought counselling. RESULTS The majority of respondents (79.8%) said that their HCP had not given them information about accessing psychological resources. Of the patients who did not receive this information, most (60%) said that they wanted it. Regression analysis revealed that immigrants, women, and patients with higher perceived stress scores were significantly more likely to desire this information. Furthermore, having received this information was associated with increased odds of counselling seeking (odds ratio = 3.31, p = 0.013). CONCLUSION Fertility patients demonstrated an unmet need for information about accessing psychological resources, and HCPs may play an integral role in bridging this information gap. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS To improve the patient-centeredness of fertility care, HCPs should be proactive in informing all patients about how to access psychological resources.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janet Takefman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill, Montreal, Canada
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18
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Péloquin K, Brassard A, Arpin V, Sabourin S, Wright J. Whose fault is it? Blame predicting psychological adjustment and couple satisfaction in couples seeking fertility treatment. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2018. [PMID: 28635527 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2017.1289369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility bears psychological and relational consequences for couples who face this problem. Few studies have examined the role of self- and partner blaming to explain psychological and relationship adjustment in couple presenting with a fertility problem. This study used a dyadic approach to explore the links between blaming oneself and one's partner and both partners' symptoms of depression and anxiety, and couple satisfaction in 279 couples enrolled in fertility treatments. Partners were questioned about the extent to which they blamed themselves and their partner for the fertility problem. They also completed the Dyadic Adjustment Scale and the Index of Psychological Symptoms. Path analyses based on the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model showed that self-blame predicted anxiety and depression symptoms in both men and women. Men's self-blame also predicted their own lower relationship satisfaction, whereas women's self-blame predicted more depression and anxiety in their partner. Partner blame in women predicted their own and their partner lower relationship satisfaction. Women's tendency to blame their partner also predicted their own depression symptoms. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Audrey Brassard
- b Departement de psychologie , University of Sherbrooke , Quebec , Canada
| | - Virginie Arpin
- a University of Montreal , Departement de psychologie , Quebec , Canada
| | | | - John Wright
- a University of Montreal , Departement de psychologie , Quebec , Canada
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19
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Peterson ZD, Buday SK. Sexual coercion in couples with infertility: prevalence, gender differences, and associations with psychological outcomes. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2018.1435863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zoë D. Peterson
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sarah K. Buday
- Community Psychological Service, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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20
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Casu G, Ulivi G, Zaia V, Fernandes Martins MDC, Parente Barbosa C, Gremigni P. Spirituality, infertility-related stress, and quality of life in Brazilian infertile couples: Analysis using the actor-partner interdependence mediation model. Res Nurs Health 2018; 41:156-165. [PMID: 29399819 DOI: 10.1002/nur.21860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Infertility has a stressful impact on both partners, with adverse effects on the quality of life of infertile couples. Spirituality is a meaning-based strategy that can protect couples against infertility's negative impact on quality of life, but analysis of this mediator relationship in infertile couples has not been reported. We adopted a dyadic approach and used the actor-partner interdependence mediation model to examine whether and how women's and men's spirituality was associated with their own and their partners' infertility-related stress and quality of life. In 2014, 152 infertile couples starting their first fertility treatment at a private clinic in Brazil were recruited and completed self-reports of spirituality, infertility-related stress, and quality of life. Results indicated that women's and men's level of spirituality was positively associated with their own quality of life directly and indirectly, by reducing their own infertility-related stress. Their spirituality was associated with an increase in their partners' quality of life only indirectly, by reducing their partners' infertility-related stress. Findings highlight the importance of assessing and promoting spirituality as a coping resource that infertile women and men might use to deal with the stress of infertility and reduce its adverse effects on quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Casu
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Ulivi
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Methodist University of São Paulo, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil
| | - Victor Zaia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Methodist University of São Paulo, São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil.,Institute Ideia Fértil of Reproductive Health, Santo André, Brazil.,Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | | | - Caio Parente Barbosa
- Institute Ideia Fértil of Reproductive Health, Santo André, Brazil.,Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, Brazil
| | - Paola Gremigni
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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21
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Zurlo MC, Cattaneo Della Volta MF, Vallone F. Factor structure and psychometric properties of the Fertility Problem Inventory-Short Form. Health Psychol Open 2018; 4:2055102917738657. [PMID: 29379625 PMCID: PMC5779934 DOI: 10.1177/2055102917738657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The study analyses factor structure and psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Fertility Problem Inventory–Short Form. A sample of 206 infertile couples completed the Italian version of Fertility Problem Inventory (46 items) with demographics, State Anxiety Scale of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (Form Y), Edinburgh Depression Scale and Dyadic Adjustment Scale, used to assess convergent and discriminant validity. Confirmatory factor analysis was unsatisfactory (comparative fit index = 0.87; Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.83; root mean square error of approximation = 0.17), and Cronbach’s α (0.95) revealed a redundancy of items. Exploratory factor analysis was carried out deleting cross-loading items, and Mokken scale analysis was applied to verify the items homogeneity within the reduced subscales of the questionnaire. The Fertility Problem Inventory–Short Form consists of 27 items, tapping four meaningful and reliable factors. Convergent and discriminant validity were confirmed. Findings indicated that the Fertility Problem Inventory–Short Form is a valid and reliable measure to assess infertility-related stress dimensions.
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Tamres LK, Janicki D, Helgeson VS. Sex Differences in Coping Behavior: A Meta-Analytic Review and an Examination of Relative Coping. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW 2016. [DOI: 10.1207/s15327957pspr0601_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 916] [Impact Index Per Article: 114.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
We used meta-analysis to examine recent studies of sex differences in coping. Women were more likely than men to engage in most coping strategies. The strongest effects showed that women were more likely to use strategies that involved verbal expressions to others or the self—to seek emotional support, ruminate about problems, and use positive self-talk. These sex differences were consistent across studies, supporting a dispositional level hypothesis. Other sex differences were dependent on the nature of the stressor, supporting role constraint theory. We also examined whether stressor appraisal (i.e., women's tendencies to appraise stressors as more severe) accountedfor sex differences in coping. We found some support for this idea. To circumvent this issue, we provide some data on relative coping. These data demonstrate that sex differences in relative coping are more in line with our intuitions about the differences in the ways men and women cope with distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K. Tamres
- Health and Community Systems, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing
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Sobral MP, Costa ME, Schmidt L, Martins MV. COMPI Fertility Problem Stress Scales is a brief, valid and reliable tool for assessing stress in patients seeking treatment. Hum Reprod 2016; 32:375-382. [PMID: 27979919 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Are the Copenhagen Multi-Centre Psychosocial Infertility research program Fertility Problem Stress Scales (COMPI-FPSS) a reliable and valid measure across gender and culture? SUMMARY ANSWER The COMPI-FPSS is a valid and reliable measure, presenting excellent or good fit in the majority of the analyzed countries, and demonstrating full invariance across genders and partial invariance across cultures. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Cross-cultural and gender validation is needed to consider a measure as standard care within fertility. The present study is the first attempting to establish comparability of fertility-related stress across genders and countries. STUDY DESIGN SIZE, DURATION Cross-sectional study. First, we tested the structure of the COMPI-FPSS. Then, reliability and validity (convergent and discriminant) were examined for the final model. Finally, measurement invariance both across genders and cultures was tested. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Our final sample had 3923 fertility patients (1691 men and 2232 women) recruited in clinical settings from seven different countries: Denmark, China, Croatia, Germany, Greece, Hungary and Sweden. Participants had a mean age of 34 years and the majority (84%) were childless. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Findings confirmed the original three-factor structure of the COMPI-FPSS, although suggesting a shortened measurement model using less items that fitted the data better than the full version model. While data from the Chinese and Croatian subsamples did not fit, all other counties presented good fit (χ2/df ≤ 5.4; comparative fit index ≥ 0.94; root-mean-square error of approximation ≤ 0.07; modified expected cross-validation index ≤ 0.77). In general, reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity were observed in all subscales from each country (composite reliability ≥ 0.63; average variance extracted ≥ 0.38; squared correlation ≥ 0.13). Full invariance was established across genders, and partial invariance was demonstrated across countries. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION Generalizability regarding the validation of the COMPI-FPSS cannot be made regarding infertile individuals not seeking treatment, or non-European patients. This study did not investigate predictive validity, and hence the capability of this instrument in detecting changes in fertility-specific adjustment over time and predicting the psychological impact needs to be established in future research. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Besides extending knowledge on the psychometric properties of one of the most used fertility stress questionnaire, this study demonstrates both research and clinical usefulness of the COMPI-FPSS. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study was supported by European Union Funds (FEDER/COMPETE-Operational Competitiveness Program, and by national funds (FCT-Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology) under the projects PTDC/MHC-PSC/4195/2012 and SFRH/BPD/85789/2012). There are no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria P Sobral
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria E Costa
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.,Center for Psychology at University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Lone Schmidt
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Section of Social Medicine, 1014 København K, Denmark
| | - Mariana V Martins
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal .,Center for Psychology at University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
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Pedro J, Frederiksen Y, Schmidt L, Ingerslev HJ, Zachariae R, Martins MV. Comparison of three infertility-specific measures in men and women going through assisted reproductive technology treatment. J Health Psychol 2016; 24:738-749. [PMID: 27881623 DOI: 10.1177/1359105316678669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We compared the psychometric properties of COMPI Fertility Problem Stress Scales, Fertility Problem Inventory, and Fertility Quality of Life Tool in 293 patients enrolled for assisted reproductive technology. COMPI Fertility Problem Stress Scales and Fertility Problem Inventory subscales presented higher internal consistency. COMPI Fertility Problem Stress Scales differentiated best between its domains. Fertility Problem Inventory revealed better concurrent validity. Fertility Quality of Life Tool presented better fit. While discrimination for depression was similar between measures, Fertility Quality of Life Tool was better at discriminating anxiety. Results suggest that while all compared measures are reliable and valid in assessing the psychosocial adjustment to infertility, the choice of measure should be based according to the assessment goals.
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Santoro N, Eisenberg E, Trussell JC, Craig LB, Gracia C, Huang H, Alvero R, Casson P, Christman G, Coutifaris C, Diamond M, Jin S, Legro RS, Robinson RD, Schlaff WD, Zhang H. Fertility-related quality of life from two RCT cohorts with infertility: unexplained infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome. Hum Reprod 2016; 31:2268-79. [PMID: 27402910 PMCID: PMC5027926 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dew175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does fertility-related quality of life (FertiQOL) differ by infertility diagnosis between women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and their partners, compared with couples with unexplained infertility (UI)? SUMMARY ANSWER Women with PCOS report lower QOL than those with UI, whereas males with UI report lower QOL than males with PCOS partners. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The fertility-specific QOL survey, FertiQOL, has been used to examine fertility-related QOL in a number of worldwide cohorts. Few data have addressed fertility-related QOL as a function of infertility diagnosis. Overall, men report better QOL than women with infertility, and there is variation in FertiQOL scores across different samples from different countries. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a prospective, cohort study derived from two concurrent, randomized clinical trials, and designed to examine QOL in infertile females with PCOS and UI at the time of enrollment compared with each other and their male partners; to compare concordance FertiQOL scores in this study across other worldwide cohorts; and to determine if baseline FertiQOL was associated with pregnancy outcome. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women with PCOS and their partners (n = 733 and n = 641, respectively), and couples with UI (n = 865 women and 849 men) completed a validated fertility-specific QOL survey (FertiQOL) at the time of the study screening visit. PCOS women were randomized to either clomiphene citrate or letrozole treatment; couples with UI were randomized to clomiphene citrate, letrozole or gonadotrophin plus IUI. FertiQOL results were compiled by diagnosis (PCOS or UI) and compared by diagnosis and sex using Wilcoxon Rank-Sum testing. Relationships between baseline FertiQOL and pregnancy outcomes were examined using logistic regression. Multivariable models were performed to assess the association between FertiQOL scores and key participant characteristics. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Women with PCOS had lower total FertiQOL scores (72.3 ± 14.8) than those with UI (77.1 ± 12.8; P < 0.001); this was true for each domain (except Relational). These differences were largely explained by variation in BMI, hirsutism, household income and age. Women had lower overall FertiQOL scores than their male partners. Males with PCOS partners had higher scores than males with UI (84.9 ± 10.2 versus 83.3 ± 10.8; P = 0.003). Scores were not consistently associated with conception or pregnancy outcome. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The use of multiple tests of association may have resulted in spurious statistically significant findings. Inherent sociodemographic differences between women with PCOS and those with UI largely account for the lower QOL in women with PCOS. Our study was unable to assess if changes in QOL affected pregnancy outcome as FertiQOL data were collected prior to treatment. Finally, the participants for both studies represent their local communities, but are not a population-based sample and thus firm conclusions about how representative these couples are to the general population must be made with caution. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Women with PCOS with elevated BMI and hirsutism scores and with lower socioeconomic status may require more, targeted psychosocial support than those with other diagnoses. Possible attribution of infertility to the male partner appears to result in a lower QOL. There appears to be substantial national variation in FertiQOL scores, with US-based cohorts reporting overall higher QOL. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This work was supported by National Institutes of Health (NIH)/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Grants U10 HD39005 (to M.D.), U10 HD38992 (to R.S.L.), (to C.C.), U10 HD38998 (to R.A.), U10 HD055942 (to R.D.R.), HD055944 (to P.C.), U10 HD055936 (to G.C.), U10HD055925 (to H.Z.); and U10 U54-HD29834 (to the University of Virginia Center for Research in Reproduction Ligand Assay and Analysis Core of the Specialized Cooperative Centers Program in Reproduction and Infertility Research). Most importantly, this research was made possible by the funding by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. N.S., E.E., J.C.T., C.G., H.H., R.A., P.C., G.C., C.C., M.D., S.J., W.D.S. and H.Z. report no conflicts of interests/disclosures. L.B.C. reports research support from Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Roche Diagnostics; R.S.L. reports receipt of consulting fees from AstraZeneca, Euroscreen, Sprout Pharmaceuticals, Taken, Kindex, Clarus and Bayer, Inc., and research support from AstraZeneca and Ferring Pharmaceuticals. R.D.R. reports research support from AbbVie. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Pregnancy in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome II (PPCOS II), NCT00719186; Assessment of Multiple Intrauterine Gestations in Ovulation Stimulation (AMIGOS) NCT01044862, clinicaltrials.gov. TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE PPCOS II 17 July 2008; AMIGOS 7 January 2010. DATE OF FIRST PATIENT'S ENROLMENT PPCOS II 19 February 2009; AMIGOS 2 August 2010.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanette Santoro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12631 E 17th Avenue AO1 Room 4010, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Esther Eisenberg
- Fertility & Infertility Branch, NICHD, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - J C Trussell
- Department of Urology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams St, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - LaTasha B Craig
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, PO Box 26901, WP 2410 Oklahoma City, OK 73126, USA
| | - Clarisa Gracia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Penn Fertility Center, 3701 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hao Huang
- Collaborative Center for Statistics in Science, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
| | - Ruben Alvero
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12631 E 17th Avenue AO1 Room 4010, Aurora, CO 80045, USA Present address: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Peter Casson
- Present address: Northeastern Reproductive Medicine, 105 West View Rd. Suite 305, Colchester, VT 05446, USA
| | - Gregory Christman
- Present address: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32611-0294, USA
| | - Christos Coutifaris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Penn Fertility Center, 3701 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael Diamond
- Present address: Georgia Regents University/Medical College of Georgia, 1120 15th Street, BA-7300, Augusta, GA 30912-3300, USA
| | - Susan Jin
- Collaborative Center for Statistics in Science, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
| | - Richard S Legro
- Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hersey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Randal D Robinson
- University of Texas at San Antonio Health Sciences Center, 8300 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - William D Schlaff
- Present address: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Thomas Jefferson University, 834 Chestnut Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Heping Zhang
- Collaborative Center for Statistics in Science, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06520-8034, USA
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Himelein MJ, Thatcher SS. Depression and Body Image among Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Health Psychol 2016; 11:613-25. [PMID: 16769740 DOI: 10.1177/1359105306065021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Common features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), including hyperandrogenism, ovarian dysfunction and obesity, can be highly distressing. We compared 40 women with PCOS to women with infertility but not PCOS, and to women with neither PCOS nor infertility, on measures of depression and body image. Women with PCOS reported higher depression scores and greater body dissatisfaction ( p < .001) than comparison group women. Body image was strongly associated with depression overall, even after controlling body mass. Among women with PCOS, body dissatisfaction measures and education explained 66 percent of the variance in depression, suggesting explanations of the PCOS–depression link should consider the role of potentially mediating psychosocial variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Himelein
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Asheville, 28804, USA.
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Donarelli Z, Gullo S, Lo Coco G, Marino A, Scaglione P, Volpes A, Allegra A. Assessing infertility-related stress: the factor structure of the Fertility Problem Inventory in Italian couples undergoing infertility treatment. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2016; 36:58-65. [PMID: 25853286 DOI: 10.3109/0167482x.2015.1034268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The factor structure of the Fertility Problem Inventory (FPI) and its invariance across gender were examined in Italian couples undergoing infertility treatment. About 1000 subjects (both partners of 500 couples) completed two questionnaires prior to commencing infertility treatment at a private Clinic in Palermo, Italy. Confirmatory Factor Analysis demonstrated that the original factor structure of the FPI was partially confirmed. Two correlated factors (Infertility Life Domains and Importance of Parenthood) were obtained via a post hoc Exploratory Factor Analysis. Finally, the invariance of this factor structure across gender was confirmed. The study supported the relevance of two interrelated factors specific to infertility stress which could help clinicians to focus on the core infertility-related stress domains of infertile couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaira Donarelli
- Psychology Unit, ANDROS Day Surgery Clinic , Palermo , Italy
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Casu G, Gremigni P. Screening for infertility-related stress at the time of initial infertility consultation: psychometric properties of a brief measure. J Adv Nurs 2015; 72:693-706. [DOI: 10.1111/jan.12830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Casu
- Department of Psychology; University of Bologna; Italy
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Steuber KR, High A. Disclosure strategies, social support, and quality of life in infertile women. Hum Reprod 2015; 30:1635-42. [PMID: 25954036 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do the strategies women use to disclose information about their infertility to social network members impact the quality of the support they receive and their quality of life? SUMMARY ANSWER The data showed that women who disclosed infertility-related information in direct ways, rather than in indirect ways (e.g. by incremental disclosures or through third parties), to social network members perceived higher quality support and reported greater quality of life related to their infertility experience. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Social support has been shown to buffer stress associated with various health issues including infertility. The way people disclose information about stressors has been associated with the quality of the support they receive. Disclosing information in a way that most effectively elicits support is beneficial because women with infertility who have lower levels of stress are more likely to seek and remain in treatment. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This cross-sectional study of 301 infertile women was conducted in the USA. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS To determine the variation in length of infertility and treatment decisions, we conducted an online survey of 301 American women coping with infertility. We investigated the strategies women used to disclose infertility-related information with social network members, their perceptions of support from friends and family, and their quality of life both in general (overall quality of life) and related to the experience of infertility (fertility quality of life). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Direct disclosure of experiences related to infertility was positively and significantly associated with the perceived quality of social support received (P < 0.01). Strategies of disclosure that use entrapment or indirect media were negatively associated with fertility quality of life (P < 0.001). Directly (P < 0.01) and incremental disclosures (P < 0.01) were positively associated with overall quality of life, while the use of humor was negatively associated with overall quality of life (P < 0.01). Perceived support quality also mediated the influence of direct disclosures on women's fertility quality of life (95% CI: 0.18, 1.05) and overall quality of life (95% CI: 0.10, 0.30). This effect is particularly noteworthy for the model predicting fertility quality of life, which exhibited a non-significant main effect with direct disclosures. The non-significant main effect combined with the significant indirect effect suggests that perceived support quality fully mediates the association between direct disclosures and fertility quality of life. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The cross-sectional nature of our convenient sample did not allow us to test cause and effect. It is equally plausible that women who perceive support are more likely to disclose. Longitudinal data are necessary to test the cyclic nature of these variables and confirm directionality. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS When women make the decision to reveal information about their infertility, direct disclosure (i.e. face-to-face, clearly, verbally and with the opportunity for an immediate response) was the only strategy that significantly corresponded with perceived support quality and was one of only two strategies that were positively associated with quality of life. To the extent that social support reduces stress, and lower stress increases the chance that people seek and stay in treatment, infertility clinics and therapists can use this information as a low-cost strategy for supporting infertile women. Scholars and practitioners can also instruct women coping with infertility about how to most effectively engage in seeking effective support. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS No external funding was either sought or obtained for this study and no competing interests are declared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keli R Steuber
- Faculty of Communication Studies, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ 08628, USA
| | - Andrew High
- Faculty of Communication, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52241, USA
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Abstract
To date, the preponderance of research on infertility in the United States has been conducted with affluent, White couples seeking advanced medical interventions. However, racial/ethnic minorities are equally, if not more, likely to experience infertility in the United States. Drawing on qualitative interviews with 50 African American women of different socioeconomic backgrounds, our study uses an intersectional framework to explore the experiences of African American women who cope with infertility. First, we found that experiencing infertility greatly impaired women’s sense of self and gender identity. Moreover, the imperative to be an African American mother was influenced by an interplay of gendered, racial, and religious mandates. Second, women’s relationships with friends and family members were characterized by a deep sense of silence and isolation; several explanations for this finding are proposed, including stereotypes about African American women’s sexuality. Third, interactions with medical professionals were influenced by women’s multiple social identities, with no single identity conferring an advantage in medical settings. Finally, we highlight several interventions, such as the dissemination of information featuring a greater range of African American women’s reproductive experiences, and we underscore the clinical importance of normalizing African American women’s experiences with infertility, thereby lessening women’s sense of shame and isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Ceballo
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Erin T. Graham
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jamie Hart
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Salomon M, Sylvest R, Hansson H, Nyboe Andersen A, Schmidt L. Sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes towards motherhood among single women compared with cohabiting women treated with donor semen - a Danish multicenter study. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2015; 94:473-81. [DOI: 10.1111/aogs.12619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Salomon
- Fertility Clinic; Rigshospitalet; Copenhagen University Hospital; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Randi Sylvest
- Fertility Clinic; Rigshospitalet; Copenhagen University Hospital; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Helena Hansson
- Research Unit; Women's and Children's Health; Rigshospitalet; Copenhagen University Hospital; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Anders Nyboe Andersen
- Fertility Clinic; Rigshospitalet; Copenhagen University Hospital; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Lone Schmidt
- Department of Public Health; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
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Martins MV, Costa P, Peterson BD, Costa ME, Schmidt L. Marital stability and repartnering: infertility-related stress trajectories of unsuccessful fertility treatment. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:1716-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Kim JH, Shin HS. Validation of a Korean Version of Fertility Problem Inventory. Asian Nurs Res (Korean Soc Nurs Sci) 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anr.2014.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Read SC, Carrier ME, Whitley R, Gold I, Tulandi T, Zelkowitz P. Complementary and alternative medicine use in infertility: cultural and religious influences in a multicultural Canadian setting. J Altern Complement Med 2014; 20:686-92. [PMID: 25127071 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2013.0329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for infertility in a multicultural healthcare setting and to compare Western and non-Western infertility patients' reasons for using CAM and the meanings they attribute to CAM use. DESIGN Qualitative semi-structured interviews using thematic analysis. SETTINGS/LOCATION Two infertility clinics in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. PARTICIPANTS An ethnoculturally varied sample of 32 heterosexual infertile couples. RESULTS CAM used included lifestyle changes (e.g., changing diet, exercise), alternative medicine (e.g., acupuncture, herbal medicines), and religious methods (e.g., prayers, religious talismans). Patients expressed three attitudes toward CAM: desperate hope, casual optimism, and amused skepticism. PARTICIPANTS' CAM use was consistent with cultural traditions of health and fertility: Westerners relied primarily on biomedicine and used CAM mainly for relaxation, whereas non-Westerners' CAM use was often influenced by culture-specific knowledge of health, illness and fertility. CONCLUSIONS Understanding patients' CAM use may help clinicians provide culturally sensitive, patient-centered care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne C Read
- 1 Department of Psychiatry, McGill University , Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Phillips E, Elander J, Montague J. An interpretative phenomenological analysis of men’s and women’s coping strategy selection during early IVF treatment. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2014.915391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Shoji M, Hamatani T, Ishikawa S, Kuji N, Ohta H, Matsui H, Yoshimura Y. Sexual satisfaction of infertile couples assessed using the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS). Sci Rep 2014; 4:5203. [PMID: 24902628 PMCID: PMC5381476 DOI: 10.1038/srep05203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, infertility treatment-related psychological effects are receiving increased attention. However, whether sexual satisfaction is reduced amongst infertile couples remains to be elucidated. In this study, sexual satisfaction of Japanese infertile couples was assessed using a validated questionnaire designed to assess the male and female partner individually, and the couple as a whole for the first time. This study randomly included 170 infertile couples seen at the outpatient clinic and 170 couples that had recently achieved spontaneous pregnancy. All couples were given the Japanese version of the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS). In couples aged 35 years or older, the male partners showed significantly worse sexual satisfaction scores than the female partners. Sexual satisfaction also deteriorated with therapeutic interventions, with mental factors affected more than physical factors. Therapeutic interventions such as timed sexual intercourse and assisted reproductive technology were considered emotionally stressful for infertile couples, with sexual satisfaction accordingly lower in this group than in couples achieving spontaneous pregnancy. GRISS successfully evaluated lower sexual satisfaction associated with infertility, and hence is a useful tool for identifying couples whose sexual satisfaction could be enhanced by counselling or other stress-reduction modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Shoji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Toshio Hamatani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shoko Ishikawa
- 1] Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawadacho Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan [2] Ginza Ladies Clinic Institute for Reproductive Medicine, 4-6-11 Ginza Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - Naoaki Kuji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Ohta
- Women's Medical Centre of Sanno Medical Centre, 8-5-35 Akasaka Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
| | - Hideo Matsui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, 8-1 Kawadacho Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan
| | - Yasunori Yoshimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
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Mortensen LL, Hegaard HK, Andersen AN, Bentzen JG. Attitudes towards motherhood and fertility awareness among 20-40-year-old female healthcare professionals. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2014; 17:468-81. [PMID: 23157704 DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2012.728015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore attitudes towards family formation and fertility awareness among Danish female healthcare professionals. METHODS We collected cross-sectional baseline data from a prospective cohort study of 863 women, ranging in age from 20 to 40 years, working at a hospital in Denmark. Information about participants' intentions and attitudes towards family formation and fertility knowledge was gathered by means of a questionnaire. RESULTS Only 2% of the respondents did not want children. Most women believed that motherhood is important, and hoped to have two to three children. About half of the respondents intended to have their last child after the age of 35 years. The most important prerequisites for family formation included: living in a stable relationship, having completed one's studies, a sound financial situation, a job that can be kept when having children, access to public child day care, and the possibility of travelling. As many as 50% of women underrated the impact of a woman's age on fertility, and overestimated the success rates of assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments. CONCLUSIONS Many female healthcare professionals contemplated giving birth after the age of 35 years. Knowledge of fertility and ART success rates is needed to make well-informed decisions about when to have children.
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Khodarahimi S, Hosseinmirzaei S, Bruna MMO. The Role of Infertility in Mental Health, Psychological Distress and Sexual Dysfunction in a Sample of Iranian Women. WOMEN & THERAPY 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/02703149.2014.850331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Peterson BD, Sejbaek CS, Pirritano M, Schmidt L. Are severe depressive symptoms associated with infertility-related distress in individuals and their partners? Hum Reprod 2013; 29:76-82. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Tasoglu S, Safaee H, Zhang X, Kingsley JL, Catalano PN, Gurkan UA, Nureddin A, Kayaalp E, Anchan RM, Maas RL, Tüzel E, Demirci U. Exhaustion of racing sperm in nature-mimicking microfluidic channels during sorting. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2013; 9:3374-84. [PMID: 23677651 PMCID: PMC3821799 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201300020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Fertilization is central to the survival and propagation of a species, however, the precise mechanisms that regulate the sperm's journey to the egg are not well understood. In nature, the sperm has to swim through the cervical mucus, akin to a microfluidic channel. Inspired by this, a simple, cost-effective microfluidic channel is designed on the same scale. The experimental results are supported by a computational model incorporating the exhaustion time of sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savas Tasoglu
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Center for Bioengineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hooman Safaee
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Center for Bioengineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Center for Bioengineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James L. Kingsley
- Department of Physics, 100 Institute Road, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609
| | - Paolo N. Catalano
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Center for Bioengineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Umut Atakan Gurkan
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Center for Bioengineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aida Nureddin
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Center for Bioengineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emre Kayaalp
- Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queens, NY, USA
| | - Raymond M. Anchan
- Center for Infertility and Reproductive Surgery, Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard L. Maas
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erkan Tüzel
- Department of Physics, 100 Institute Road, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609
| | - Utkan Demirci
- Bio-Acoustic-MEMS in Medicine (BAMM) Laboratory, Center for Bioengineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard-Massachusetts Institute of Technology Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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The Mediator Role of Emotion Regulation Processes on Infertility-Related Stress. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 2013; 20:497-507. [DOI: 10.1007/s10880-013-9370-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Galhardo A, Cunha M, Pinto-Gouveia J. Measuring self-efficacy to deal with infertility: Psychometric properties and confirmatory factor analysis of the portuguese version of the infertility self-efficacy scale. Res Nurs Health 2012; 36:65-74. [DOI: 10.1002/nur.21516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Vassard D, Lund R, Pinborg A, Boivin J, Schmidt L. The impact of social relations among men and women in fertility treatment on the decision to terminate treatment. Hum Reprod 2012; 27:3502-12. [PMID: 23019298 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/des353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Do social support and social strain from social relations have an impact on the decision to terminate fertility treatment among men and women after 1 year of unsuccessful treatment? SUMMARY ANSWER Several functional aspects of social relations show an impact on the probability to terminate treatment; social support from family significantly decreases the probability to terminate and experience of conflicts or problematic communication with the partner significantly increases the probability to terminate treatment. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Fertility patients can experience psychological, physical and economical strain as consequences of infertility and fertility treatment, and previous studies have shown that these pressures increase the probability of deciding to terminate treatment before the treatment options are exhausted. Some studies have indicated that social relations can also have an effect. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study is part of the prospective Infertility Cohort from the Copenhagen Multi-centre Psychosocial Infertility Research Programme. Baseline data were collected during January 2000-August 2001 among patients recruited at five Danish fertility clinics during their initial visit and follow-up data were collected after 1 year. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The study group (n = 777; 427 women, 350 men) consisted of patients who did not achieve a live birth or an ongoing pregnancy during follow-up. Social support and strain from the patients' partner, family, family-in-law, friends and colleagues were measured at baseline and the decision to terminate treatment while treatment options were not yet exhausted was measured as the outcome at the 1-year follow-up. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE At the 1-year follow-up, 23% of the study group had decided to terminate treatment. For women, low levels of family support, specifically with regard to infertility, were associated with the termination of treatment after 1 year [odds ratio (OR) 6.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2-16.8] and, for men, low levels of general family support had a similar impact (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.0-7.0). For men, difficulties in communicating with their partner about the infertility increased the probability of terminating the treatment (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2-4.1) and, for women, frequent conflicts with their partner increased the probability of terminating the treatment (OR 12.4, 95% CI 2.9-54.1). For women, conflicts with friends were also a predictor of treatment termination (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-4.2). WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Functional aspects of social relations have an impact on the decision to terminate fertility treatment among men and women. The findings in this study provide new insights into how the close social environment can have implications for men and women going through fertility treatment. FUNDING This study has received support from the Danish Health Insurance Fund (J.nr. 11/097-97), the Else and Mogens Wedell-Wedellsborgs Fund, the manager E. Danielsens and Wife's Fund, the merchant L.F. Foghts Fund, the Jacob Madsen and Wife Olga Madsen's Fund, and the Engineer K.A. Rohde and Wife's Fund. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ditte Vassard
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, 5 Oester Farimagsgade, Copenhagen K DK-1014, Denmark.
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Moura-Ramos M, Gameiro S, Canavarro M, Soares I, Santos T. The indirect effect of contextual factors on the emotional distress of infertile couples. Psychol Health 2012; 27:533-49. [DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2011.598231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Pinto-Gouveia J, Galhardo A, Cunha M, Matos M. Protective emotional regulation processes towards adjustment in infertile patients. HUM FERTIL 2012; 15:27-34. [PMID: 22309792 DOI: 10.3109/14647273.2011.654310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about emotional regulation processes of psychological flexibility/acceptance, self-compassion, and coping styles in infertility and the way they may exert a protective function towards depression. The aim of the current study was to explore how these emotion regulation processes are related to depression and to the sense of self-efficacy to deal with infertility in infertile patients. Gender differences were also considered. One hundred couples without known fertility problems and 100 couples with an infertility diagnosis completed the instruments: Beck Depression Inventory, Coping Styles Questionnaire, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, Self-Compassion Scale and Infertility Self-efficacy Scale. Infertile couples presented statistically significantly higher scores on depression and lower scores in psychological flexibility/acceptance and self-compassion than the control group. This pattern was particularly identified in women who also tended to use less an emotional/detached coping style and to perceive themselves as less confident to deal with infertility than men. Multiple regression analysis showed that psychological flexibility/acceptance was a significant predictor of depressive symptoms in men and women with infertility. Emotional regulation processes, such as psychological flexibility/acceptance and self-compassion, seem to be relevant to the understanding of depressive symptoms and psychological adjustment to infertility, suggesting that these issues should be addressed in a therapeutic context with these couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Pinto-Gouveia
- CINEICC- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences of the University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Daniluk JC. Reconstructing Their Lives: A Longitudinal, Qualitative Analysis of the Transition to Biological Childlessness for Infertile Couples. JOURNAL OF COUNSELING AND DEVELOPMENT 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/j.1556-6676.2001.tb01991.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Daniluk JC, Tench E. Long-Term Adjustment of Infertile Couples Following Unsuccessful Medical Intervention. JOURNAL OF COUNSELING AND DEVELOPMENT 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/j.1556-6678.2007.tb00448.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Smith JA, Smith AH. Treating Faith-Based Infertile Couples Using Cognitive-Behavioral Counseling Strategies: A Preliminary Investigation. COUNSELING AND VALUES 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/j.2161-007x.2004.tb00252.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Gibson DM, Myers JE. Gender and Infertility: A Relational Approach to Counseling Women. JOURNAL OF COUNSELING AND DEVELOPMENT 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/j.1556-6676.2000.tb01923.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Fisher JRW, Hammarberg K. Psychological and social aspects of infertility in men: an overview of the evidence and implications for psychologically informed clinical care and future research. Asian J Androl 2011; 14:121-9. [PMID: 22179515 DOI: 10.1038/aja.2011.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Research concerning the psychosocial aspects of infertility and infertility treatment focuses more often on women than men. The aim of this review was to synthesize the English-language evidence related to the psychological and social aspects of infertility in men and discuss the implications of these reports for clinical care and future research. A structured search identified 73 studies that reported data concerning the desire for fatherhood and the psychological and social aspects of diagnosis, assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment and unsuccessful treatment among men with fertility difficulties. The studies are diverse in conceptualisation, design, setting and data collection, but the findings were reasonably consistent. These studies indicated that fertile and infertile childless men of reproductive age have desires to experience parenthood that are similar to those of their female counterparts; in addition, diagnosis and initiation of treatment are associated with elevated infertility-specific anxiety, and unsuccessful treatment can lead to a state of lasting sadness. However, rates of clinically significant mental health problems among this patient population are no higher than in the general population. Infertile men who are socially isolated, have an avoidant coping style and appraise stressful events as overwhelming, are more vulnerable to severe anxiety than men without these characteristics. Men prefer oral to written treatment information and prefer to receive emotional support from infertility clinicians rather than from mental health professionals, self-help support groups or friends. Nevertheless, structured, facilitated psycho-educational groups that are didactic but permit informal sharing of experiences might be beneficial. There are gaps in knowledge about factors governing seeking, persisting with and deciding to cease treatment; experiences of invasive procedures; parenting after assisted conception; adoption and infertility-related grief and shame among men. Few resource-constrained countries have any data concerning male experiences of infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane R W Fisher
- Jean Hailes Research Unit, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia.
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