Experiences of women undergoing infertility treatment from embryo transfer until pregnancy test and their conceptualization of their embryo

Abstract

Aim

This study aims to explore women’s experiences with embryo transfer (ET) until pregnancy test and their conceptualization of their embryo.

Method

The sample of this descriptive phenomenology study consists of 17 women with ET. The data were collected through in-depth interviews. The thematic analysis developed by Braun and Clarke was used for data analysis.

Results

Analysis of the interviews led to the emergence of five themes and 14 sub-themes. The theme “pregnancy in biological terms” has two sub-themes: “considering herself pregnant” and “the first moment with the baby”. The theme “not an embryo, my child” has three sub-themes: “world of hope”, “ unnatural but normal” and “attachment to embryo”. The theme “daily life after ET” has three sub-themes: “living life in the usual way”, “process of self-listening”, and “the negative effects of drugs on the body”. The theme “seeking ways to ensure fertility” has four sub-themes: “complete bed rest”, “the search for information: the internet”, “practice an infertility diet” and “spiritual support with prayer”. Finally, the theme “caring after the transfer” has two sub-themes: “need more information” and “unmet women-oriented care”.

Conclusion

In this study, it was determined that women had intense physical and emotional experiences during the waiting period after ET and their daily lives were affected. It was also understood that the embryo means "baby/child/son/daughter" to them and that they establish a close bond with their embryos. Women’s needs are not sufficiently known until post-ET pregnancy testing. Explaining the experiences of women after IVF-ET and the meanings of their embryo will help determine the issues they need in holistic care.

Keywords:

• Embryo transfer
• conceptualization of embryo
• phenomenological research
• women’s experiences

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank all of the women are in with embryo transfer volunteering to participate in this research and contributing to nursing science; Akdeniz University Hospital IVF Center staff and managers for their contributions and indulgence during the data collection stage.

Disclosure statement

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This study was produced from a Master’s Thesis.