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Ask anyone going through it, and you’ll learn that infertility can be stressful and all consuming. Applying a mind-body approach teaches you how you can lower stress and care for yourself. Knowing how to reduce stress is important when treating a condition where patients often exhibit symptoms of stress, and the treatment itself can cause stress.
A study of 112 infertile women interviewed by a psychiatrist prior to treatment found 40% of these women showed symptoms of a depressive or anxiety disorder vs. 3% for the average population (Chen et al. 2004).
Another study reported that, prior to IVF, 70% of women had mild to severe depressive symptoms (Demyttenaere et al. 1998).
Eugster and Vingerhoets (1999) reviewed the literature on the psychological aspects of IVF. They conclude that beyond a doubt, IVF is physically and emotionally stressful for both women and their partners, with depression and anxiety as the most common reactions to treatment.
Ending treatment after only one IVF cycle is more likely to occur in women who were determined to be more depressed and anxious before beginning treatment (Smeek, Verhaak, & Stolwijk, 2004).
(Campagne, 2006) A review of stress management and reduction in fertility treatment concludes that psychological interventions to reduce stress related to IVF are generally effective, and that there is ample preliminary evidence that psychological distress impacts fertility, and thus IVF outcome.
(Boivin 2003) In a review of literature on psychosocial interventions for infertility, educational groups which emphasized knowledge and skills training (i.e. relaxation training) within a supportive group environment were found to be most effective. The author interprets the value of the group format as enabling participants to be with others having similar challenges.
Several studies have indicated that a significant number of patients drop out of infertility treatment programs voluntarily, not for financial reasons or on the advice of their physicians. Many patients seeking help with infertility drop out due to “emotional cost.” (Gleicher N, et al. Infertility dropout and insurance coverage. Obstet Gynecol, 1996;88:289-293.)
Some studies have also shown that participants in mind-body programs can benefit greatly, and there is increasing evidence that participating in a Mind-Body program may help more patients become pregnant. For participants in FPNC’s 8-Week program, preliminary data show an average pregnancy rate of 50% and 87% fertility treatment continuation within 6 months of program completion, as well as significant decreases in depression and anxiety and significant increases in mindfulness skills.
For further information on The Psychological Component of Infertility please visit reproductivefacts.org.
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