Emotional and psychosocial factors in follow-up of women after IVF-ET treatment. A pilot investigation.

One hundred and fifty-six women who enrolled for treatment in an in vitro fertilization (IVF-ET) program were interviewed, 15 months (mean interval) after the last program contact. Perceptions of treatment stress, decisions about further treatment and the extent of resolution of the infertility crisis were investigated. Standard self-report instruments were used to assess emotional status, self-esteem and marital adjustment. The results showed that only about half the couples who did not achieve pregnancy had decided to terminate treatment. Resolution of infertility was significantly correlated with coping with infertility and with the decision to abandon treatment. Although most patients described treatment as extremely stressful, this did not itself result in emotional distress or dysfunction following treatment, and psychiatric syndromes were infrequent. A deeper understanding of the interactions of these identified factors would help all couples who confront unwanted infertility.