Does Emotional Support Decrease In Vitro Fertilization Stress?

Does Emotional Support During the Luteal Phase Decrease the Stress of IVF?

In vitro fertilization for infertility has been associated with a significant amount of treatment related stress for patients. In addition,stress levels increase between embryo transfer and pregnancy test, during this waiting period. The investigators evaluated whether or not brief interventions by phone by trained social workers influenced stress levels. Our data showed that these interventions did not change levels, but confirmed that stress did increase during this time and that patients report wanting additional emotional support to improve stress during this period.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All women (ages 18-45) undergoing their first fresh cycle of IVF using autologous oocytes where an embryo transfer occurred

Exclusion Criteria:

• > 2nd cycle of IVF IVF using donor eggs or a gestational carrier
• Transfers with Cryopreserved embryos
• Day 5 embryo transfers
• Self-reported history of depression or anxiety
• Already seeing a mental health professional
• Inability to speak or read English