Exploring Cisgender Women’s Experiences of Reproductive Loss After In Vitro Fertilization

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to examine the experiences of persons who self-identified as women who suffered treatment failure or miscarriage after government-funded in vitro fertilization. Eight participants were interviewed and data were analyzed using conventional content analysis. Reproductive loss in the wake of funded in vitro fertilization was mired by feelings of uncertainty and variable emotional responses. It also presented unexpected costs, changing relationship dynamics, and the possibility of being subjected to insensitive fertility-related comments. Further research is needed about the partner perspective of infertility treatments and the experiences of nurses caring for people post–reproductive loss.

Keywords:

• Infertility
• in vitro fertilization
• qualitative research
• miscarriage
• treatment failure

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the participants for sharing their stories with us.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed to the conception, design, and execution of this study. All authors participated in the construction of this manuscript and approved the final version.

Disclosure Statement

There are no relevant financial or nonfinancial competing interests to report.