Anxiety and Depression Have Insignificant Effect on In Vitro Fertilization Success Rate – Study Suggests
August 3rd, 2009 |
A GoodTherapy.org News Summary
When seeking fertility treatment in the quest to become pregnant, some women may experience symptoms of anxiety and depression, and may further be concerned that these issues could lower their chances of achieving a viable pregnancy. But a new study recently published in the Journal of Human Reproduction suggests that such mental health factors have little to no effect on the success rates of in-vitro fertilization. Though the researchers point out that a more broad assessment of stress-related symptoms is needed to determine which if any mental health aspects can impact treatment, the news should be relieving for women hoping to have a child with the help of modern medicine.
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I think further research is needed, it’s just hard to believe that anxiety and depression would not have an impact on one;s reproductive health…especially in the case of major depression and panic disorders.
If this is proven true, then it calls for a celebration. But while further research is still needed, then we could only hope for the best.
First of all let me say that I have experienced both the heartaches and the joys that come along with in vitro fertilization treatments. I had my first child via in vitro with no problems, but have yet to be successful with maintaining a healthy pregnancy the second time around. There have been many tears of anxiety and frustration as well as those of happiness. I too cannot believe though that stress and depression do not play a role in how successful the treatment can be. Stress just seems to have too much of an impact on our lives overall to not play a part in this as well. Sometimes the best surprises are those which come when they are least expected and thought about, and that is why I always try to just not think about the upcoming treatments and just get to a point where I can say that whatever is meant to be is what will be.
Agree with Casey on this one. For me the jury is still out and there needs to be way more research in the area before anything is deemed conclusive.
I never understood why the doctor always told me to relax and not stress out about it when I was trying to conceive. I don’t see the connection between the physical dynamics of fertilization and your mental state.
I can’t side with this. A couple I know were informed they stood very little chance of conception. They tried for eight years before giving up and opting for adoption. Six months after they adopted a baby girl the woman got pregnant against all the odds. The reduction of the stress of trying for a baby has to have been a factor, don’t you think?
I agree with Martha. This study’s findings are flawed. I have a relative that decided to go with the flow because she was getting so obsessive about conceiving her marriage was in jeopardy. It was all she talked about, read about and thought about. When her husband said he would rather divorce her than live under that pressure any longer it shocked her into stopping. Within a year she conceived no problem.
Ladies, you’ve got to admit though it’s fun practicing until the stork comes along!
Please call me I am having anxity problems and need a good doctor to help me through this . I need a doctor that will get me medicine to handle my life better and i need an apt soon also I am not sleeping. thanks Marilyn Do you take atena medicare I sure hope so this is what I have I cant pay a doctor big money. I have insurance Im on social security thanks Marilyn Biggs
Boy! This is so discouraging to read, especially when I see the emotional impact of infertility on my clients, on a daily basis. We already know that high levels of stress and stress-related hormones can lower our immune defenses, accelerate the aging process and from my experience often results in women dropping out of treatment because they don’t have the emotional reserves to withstand the emotional roller-coaster associated with IVF and other fertility treatments. Studies also show that a history of infertility or pregnancy loss increases the chances of postpartum depression We also need to be thinking of the long-term affects of infertility for women and families. Read more here. http://www.fertilitycommunity.com/fertility/postpartum-depression-and-infertility.html I certainly hope we continue with longitudinal studies so we get a more comprehensive picture here.