The psychological concomitants of in vitro fertilization

Abstract

In order to determine the psychological as well as the physical concomitants of in vitro fertilization (IVF), as well as to assess the reactions of husbands as well as wives to this reproductive option, 59 couples were asked to complete extensive pre- and post-IVF questionnaires as well as measures of marital adjustment, mood state and locus of control. Results revealed that couples tended to be overly optimistic about the likelihood of achieving a pregnancy via IVF despite admonitions concerning the low probability of success. Couples tended to rate the procedure as moderately stressful with one-third of study participants evaluating IVF as very stressful. Common reactions to menotropin administration were fatigue, weight gain, headaches and moodiness. Sadness, anger and depression were common reactions to unsuccessful IVF and were significantly more pronounced in wives than in husbands. Nevertheless, despite failure to conceive, most couples reported satisfaction at having attempted IVF. Women with previous biological/adopted children tended to cope more effectively with unsuccessful IVF than childless women. A stage model of characteristic reactions to each phase of IVF is presented.