The literature is rich with studies addressing stress effects on In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) outcomes. Debate continues regarding whether there is a cause-and-effect relationship, or merely a correlation, between stress and IVF failure. While several studies have addressed coping mechanisms used by couples undergoing IVF, and some even investigated the effects of coping mechanisms used at three points within an IVF cycle, the author found no study that presented a programme for women to deal with stress before, during and after IVF cycles.
Based on evidence from practice, the author devised a five-phased stress (and psychological imprints) management protocol, which included psychotherapeutic counselling and hypnotherapy and this was undertaken by a total of 15 women who had experienced difficulty falling pregnant using IVF. Thirteen of them became pregnant. The subject qualitative study provides instructive insights from the narratives of eight of the women who experienced the protocol, including one who did not fall pregnant and was advised there were medical reasons she would never be able to carry to term. It informs psychotherapeutic intervention to assist couples undergoing IVF and those who must deal with the reality they can never have a child.
