Infertility-Related Stress and Coping Strategies among the Patients Undergoing in Vitro Fertilization

Abstract

Infertility is a complex medical condition that carries serious psychological repercussions, often imposing psychosocial stress on affected couples, particularly women. Female infertility is stigmatised in many societies, challenging a woman’s self-identity, social status and exacerbating emotional distress. This review looks at the psychological burden experienced by infertile women undergoing IVF and the effectiveness of different coping mechanisms employed to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The IVF process necessitates substantial emotional resilience and adaptive coping strategies to navigate treatment uncertainties, societal expectations, and self-perceived inadequacies.  Findings from the reviewed literature indicate that infertile women employ a variety of coping mechanisms, such as problem-focused coping, meaning-based coping, activeconfronting coping, and emotion-focused coping. While adaptive coping mechanisms, such as problem-focused and meaning-based strategies, are associated with improved psychological adjustment, maladaptive approaches, such as avoidance and passive coping, have been linked to increased distress and depressive symptoms. The review also highlights the role of standardised psychometric tools, including the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Infertility-Related Stress Scale (IRSS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), in assessing psychological distress among IVF patients. The level of psychological stress experienced by infertile women is significantly high, which must be treated. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been extensively studied, demonstrating significant reductions in anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms by helping women restructure negative thought patterns. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) interventions have also promoted emotional resilience and reduced psychological distress. Additionally, women who adopt problem-focused coping strategies, such as seeking information, planning, and actively engaging in the treatment process, experience lower levels of distress compared to those who rely on avoidance-based coping. This review emphasises the critical need for integrated psychological support interventions for women undergoing IVF. Given the high prevalence of stress and distress, structured psychological therapies and support systems should be embedded into fertility treatment programs to enhance coping abilities and overall mental well-being.