Participants needed for Australian-first study into IVF stressors

A University of Queensland-led study tracking the mental and emotional toll of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment on patients is looking for more participants to share their experiences.

Chief Investigator Dr Katrina Moss from the Australian Women and Girls’ Health Research Centre (AWaGHR) said the psychosocial effects of IVF are often overlooked.  

“Up to 75 per cent of people doing IVF will report anxiety or depression during treatment, but less than 20 per cent will receive mental health support,” Dr Moss said.

“One in 3 people actually stop IVF because of the emotional burden, even when they have a good prognosis and can afford more cycles.

“There aren’t any resources to help people cope with the immense ups and downs during the different phases of fertility treatment.”

Dr Moss said the research was prompted by her own first-hand experiences as a patient.

“I did 13 cycles of IVF and it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” she said.

“I saw a big gap in the support available to people going through the process, so I decided to do something about it.”

Project Coordinator Dr Jane Fox said study participants are emailed a short survey to complete every second day of their IVF cycle.

“They note their feelings that day and any coping strategies they’ve used,” Dr Fox said.

“We can then track how these change across an IVF cycle, which helps us to identify how and when it’s best to intervene to support people.”

Associate Investigator Professor Gita Mishra said the project aims to develop a website with evidence-based coping and support interventions for patients, and information resources for partners and families.

“Our focus is on supporting women’s health, and our team works in partnership with patients and clinical staff at every step,” Professor Mishra said.

The study also involves researchers from Monash University and Cardiff University.

The project is funded by an NHMRC Ideas Grant.

For more information, prospective participants are encouraged to complete an Expression of Interest form.