Trying for a second chance: Iranian infertile couples’ experiences after failed ART

Abstract

Introduction

Despite significant advances, only 35% infertile couples conceive after ART. If IVF is unsuccessful, couples will need to decide whether to proceed again with assisted conception. The aim of this study was to explore Iranian infertile couples’ experiences after failed ART to continue treatment.

Methods

In this qualitative study participants were selected using purposeful sampling method. Data were collected using 29 semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interviews at a regional Infertility Center from April 2016 to June 2017. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed with conventional content analysis method using MAXQDA software.

Results

Our findings suggest that couples’ decisions to continue treatment after unsuccessful ART is shaped by their social, emotional and financial circumstances. We have constructed two themes to describe their experiences: support to continue and trying for a second chance.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that good marital and family support networks can support infertile couples during this period of decision making. Considering the depression and anxiety caused by failed ARTs, which itself could affect the success rate of any further ARTs, the clinical team should effectively assess psychological readiness of couples who decide to continue with another ART after unsuccessful treatment.

Keywords:

• Infertile couples
• assisted reproductive techniques
• unsuccessful treatment
• qualitative study

Acknowledgments

This article is part of the Ph.D. thesis in Reproductive Health with code 941108. We appreciate the vice chancellor for research at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. The present study was approved by the Regional Ethics Committee of the University with the number of IR.MUMS.REC.1395.120 and permitted to be carried out in the infertility center.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Research Council of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences supported this study.