Martin Alexander Schaller1, Georg Griesinger2, Constanze Banz-Jansen3. 1. Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Luebeck, Germany. schallerm@gmail.com. 2. Department of Reproductive Medicine and Gynecological Endocrinology, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, 23538, Luebeck, Germany. 3. Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538, Luebeck, Germany.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to determine levels of anxiety during the course of IVF treatment and gender differences in treatment anxiety. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study set in a university affiliated, tertiary care IVF program. 119 women and 82 men entering the clinic to undergo IVF treatment filled out questionnaires containing the Spielberger state-trait-anxiety-inventory (STAI) as well as further items on specific stress triggers. RESULTS: Women and men undergoing IVF have higher levels of anxiety than the average population in Germany. Overall, female patients show significantly higher values (mean ± SD) for state and trait anxiety (47.4 ± 11.0 and 40.1 ± 9.85) than their male partners (41.4 ± 9.66 and 35.3 ± 8.57, p < 0.01). Over the course of several IVF cycles, average STAI scores increased for both genders. When asked about specific stress factors on a 4-point scale from 'not at all' to 'very much so', women report as their main anxiety the failure to achieve a successful pregnancy, scoring significantly higher on questions like 'obtaining a negative pregnancy test' (3.24 ± 0.82, p < 0.01) and 'disclosure of infertility' (3.02 ± 1.10, p < 0.001). Their male partners are more concerned about the health risks the women have to take such as 'side effects of ovarian stimulation' (2.55 ± 0.77, p = 0.002) and 'bleeding or infection after the oocyte aspiration' (2.58 ± 0.84, p = 0.007). Both genders indicated to be very little worried about multiple pregnancies after IVF. CONCLUSIONS: Women show a higher level of anxiety during IVF treatment and hold different concerns. Neither of the sexes appears to be familiar with the risks associated with multiple pregnancies, a matter that should better be addressed.
PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to determine levels of anxiety during the course of IVF treatment and gender differences in treatment anxiety. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study set in a university affiliated, tertiary care IVF program. 119 women and 82 men entering the clinic to undergo IVF treatment filled out questionnaires containing the Spielberger state-trait-anxiety-inventory (STAI) as well as further items on specific stress triggers. RESULTS:Women and men undergoing IVF have higher levels of anxiety than the average population in Germany. Overall, female patients show significantly higher values (mean ± SD) for state and trait anxiety (47.4 ± 11.0 and 40.1 ± 9.85) than their male partners (41.4 ± 9.66 and 35.3 ± 8.57, p < 0.01). Over the course of several IVF cycles, average STAI scores increased for both genders. When asked about specific stress factors on a 4-point scale from 'not at all' to 'very much so', women report as their main anxiety the failure to achieve a successful pregnancy, scoring significantly higher on questions like 'obtaining a negative pregnancy test' (3.24 ± 0.82, p < 0.01) and 'disclosure of infertility' (3.02 ± 1.10, p < 0.001). Their male partners are more concerned about the health risks the women have to take such as 'side effects of ovarian stimulation' (2.55 ± 0.77, p = 0.002) and 'bleeding or infection after the oocyte aspiration' (2.58 ± 0.84, p = 0.007). Both genders indicated to be very little worried about multiple pregnancies after IVF. CONCLUSIONS:Women show a higher level of anxiety during IVF treatment and hold different concerns. Neither of the sexes appears to be familiar with the risks associated with multiple pregnancies, a matter that should better be addressed.
Authors: Sarah S Lee; Megan Sutter; Shelley Lee; Mindy R Schiffman; Yael G Kramer; David H McCulloh; Frederick Licciardi Journal: J Assist Reprod Genet Date: 2020-08-13 Impact factor: 3.412