CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Scientists Are Working on Ways to Help IVF Couples Cope With Infertility

save article
profile picture of Kylie McConville
Updated March 2, 2017
Hero Image
Image: Thinkstock

A brand new study led by Helen Rockliff analyzed more than 23 previous studies in order to identify what types of coping strategies, personality traits and social circumstances are available to help couples going through IVF treatments. Turns out, all you really need is a friend.

By taking a look at 23 previous research studies, Rockliff found that at least all of them at explored how at least one psychosocial factor was related to one psychological health outcome, like how social supports, used to help couples cope during the IVF process, can affect a woman’s chances of getting pregnant.

What Rockliff and her colleagues realized what that all of these studies unearthed the fact that there are certain factors that can predict adverse emotional/psychological outcomes during IVF. Things like anxiety, depression and high distress were all defined as “worse” outcomes during and after IVF treatments. The researchers also found that behaviors like self-criticism, dependency, situational appraisals and attachment were linked with adverse outcomes as well.

On the opposite end of that was the fact that social supports , like leaning on a partner, friend and/or family during difficult IVF treatments, was found to be associated with far better emotional outcomes in both women who did get pregnant from IVF and for those who didn’t.

At the completion of her analysis, Rockliff said, “In general, people who are socially connected and who use their social network for support during difficult times are happier and healthier, but it is interesting that this is the case for IVF patients too, because as many patients reveal, usually well after going through it all, infertility and its treatment are incredibly personal and many couples don’t particularly want to tell people about it. It is often the case patients tend to have friends of similar ages, so IVF treatment for one couple can happen around the same time as their friends are discovering the joys of parenthood. All this often adds up to couples feeling socially isolated just when the research tells us social support is needed.”

Related Video

Social supports play such an important role in the IVF journey that scientists have even started testing their effects, with techniques like the “loving kindness meditation” and “compassion focus imagery.”

Rockliff added that, “Mindfulness, which is another emerging psychological training tool, is often a component of these interventions too. It appears that with practice the average person can learn to generate these positive emotions quite well using only their mind. Better still, it seems that in learning to do this people also get better at tolerating, and so engaging with their more difficult emotions — meaning less need for disengagement and escapism to cope with them.”

As for what comes next, researchers suggest that “mind training” could be a good way to counteract the loss of social supports in IVF patients that aren’t willing to open up to their circles about their experiences. Rockliff says that it could help them build on their psychological resources to help them face difficulties rather than disengage from them.

Do you have a “network” of support you can turn to? Do you think it’s important?

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

woman getting blood pressure measured by doctor
Pregnancy Complications Linked to Higher Heart Disease Risk in Sisters
By Wyndi Kappes
Commuters wait on the platform at the 34 Street subway station as a W train pulls into the station in New York.
Passengers Rally to Help Woman Deliver Baby on New York Subway
By Wyndi Kappes
Chris Tyrrell and Hillary Scott of Lady A attend the 55th annual Country Music Association awards at the Bridgestone Arena on November 10, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee
Lady A’s Hillary Scott Is Pregnant With Baby No. 4
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
genova canned yellowfin tuna recall
Canned Tuna Sold at Trader Joe's, Walmart, Costco and More Recalled
By Wyndi Kappes
baby doing tummy time
Dad’s Viral Tummy Time Hack Is a Stroke of Genius
By Wyndi Kappes
pregnant Jackie Cruz attends COSF's Aspen Snow Ball Gala at The St. Regis Aspen Resort on February 08, 2025 in Aspen, Colorado
Orange Is the New Black’s Jackie Cruz Is Expecting Baby No. 3
By Wyndi Kappes
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Jennifer Affleck Is Pregnant
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' Jennifer Affleck Is Pregnant
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
smiling newborn baby looking up at mother and holding her hands
The Best Deals From Amazon’s Big Baby Sale
By Wyndi Kappes
mom talking to upset toddler
Mom Shares How Gentle Parenting Can Backfire With Sensitive Kids
By Wyndi Kappes
Madison LeCroy on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen - Season 21 December 9, 2024
Southern Charm's Madison LeCroy Reveals Future Baby No. 2’s Name
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
snoo smart sleeper bassinet on sale, snoo for rent, best bassinet for baby
SNOO Is Hosting It's Biggest Sale of the Year Right Now
By Wyndi Kappes
Charlie McDowell and Lily Collins attend a special presentation of "The Summer Book" at The Curzon Mayfair on October 12, 2024 in London, England
Lily Collins’ Husband Charlie McDowell Addresses Surrogacy Critics
By Wyndi Kappes
pregnant woman holding a prenatal vitamin capsule
Study Identifies Prenatal Vitamins That May Lower Infant Death Risk
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees and wife Samantha Bracksieck pose for photos after the New York Yankees beat the Cleveland Guardians
Yankees Star Aaron Judge and Wife Samantha Welcome Their First Child
By Wyndi Kappes
Gisele Bündchen pictured on The Kelly Clarkson Show - Season 5
Gisele Bündchen Welcomes Baby No. 3
By Wyndi Kappes
woman standing in bathroom, incontinence concept
85% of Moms Struggle With This Postpartum Symptom—Yet Few Get Help
By Wyndi Kappes
Milo Ventimiglia and Jarah Mariano red carpet
Milo Ventimiglia & Jarah Mariano Welcome Baby After Losing Home in LA Fires
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
gerber soothe n chew sticks recall
Gerber Recalls Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks Due to Choking Risk
By Wyndi Kappes
J.J. Watt #99 of the Arizona Cardinals talks with his wife Kealia Watt and son Koa Watt prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Santa Clara, California
JJ Watt and Kealia Watt Are Soon-To-Be a Family of Four
By Wyndi Kappes
josh peck and wife paige o'brien pregnant with third baby
Josh Peck and Paige O'Brien Are Expecting Baby No. 3
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List