Psychological stress during in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer is influenced by the patients' background and gender

Abstract

Purpose This study evaluated the changes in psychological stress during in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and the relationship of such stress to the patients' background and gender. Methods Sixty couples undergoing IVF-ET were administered the State-TraitAnxiety Inventory-JYZ (STAI) test at six different points during IVF-ET procedures. Anxiety scores at each time point were recorded and analyzed according to gender, fertility status, and duration of treatment. Results The median state anxiety score for women increased following induction until oocyte collection, after which it temporarily declined and then increased again until the pregnancy test. No such changes were noted in men. Scores for women who had undergone a shorter period of IVF treatments were higher while state and trait anxiety in men increased with a prolonged treatment period. Unsuccessful treatment increased the state and trait anxiety of women. Conclusions Psychological stress changed periodically depending on the duration of the patients' treatment and fertility status also influenced anxiety levels. These findings will prove helpful in guiding psychological therapy and counseling for couples attempting to conceive by in vitro fertilization. © Japan Society for Reproductive Medicine 2012.