The Impact of an Online Stress Management Program on In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Outcome

The Impact of an Online Stress Management Program on IVF Outcome

The goal of this study is to determine the impact of an online stress management program, which combines stress reduction and prevention strategies with personal care products/rituals which have relaxation properties, on pregnancy rates and psychological distress in women undergoing IVF for the first time.

The relationship between stress and infertility has remained a subject of controversy for many years. Recent research indicates that stress has a strong negative impact on pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). In addition, stress is the most common reason given by women who voluntarily terminate treatment.

In a recent study, women who participated in a group mind/body treatment program had higher pregnancy rates than control subjects. The impact of an online stress management program has never been studied in the infertile population. An online intervention would be far more accessible for many infertility patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• female Boston IVF patients
• day three FSH 12 or below
• day three estradiol 80 pg/ml or below
• able to read, understand and sign the informed consent in English
• using own eggs (not egg donor)
• willing and able to comply with study requirements
• must be well versed in using a personal computer and the internet and must have access to an internet-connected computer seven days per week

Exclusion Criteria:

• prescription antipsychotic medication
• previous diagnosis of borderline or narcissistic personality disorder
• previous or concurrent participation in a mind/body group