Emotional aspects of in vitro fertilization procedures: Review

Abstract

While medical science has made huge advances in the investigation and treatment of infertility, the possibility that these procedures may themselves have a marked impact on the couple's psychological state which in turn might affect biological functioning is often not appreciated. This paper examines the complex interrelationship between in vitro fertilization (IVF) and emotional factors, reviewing present knowledge and outlining future research needs in three central areas: (i) the psychological characteristics of couples selected for IVF; (ii) the impact of the IVF programme on the couples concerned and its possible effect on conception rates; and (iii) counselling needs of IVF couples. The search for personality traits which might either act as a screening device or reveal specific characteristics of IVF couples as a class seems to be misplaced. Of more importance is the need for a careful appraisal of the effects of the IVF procedure on the couples concerned and an appraisal of related counselling needs.