Explore the vast range of titles available.

Background Individuals undergoing fertility treatments often experience heightened stress levels compared to the general population. With the increasing number of women facing recurrent failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, this research aimed to assess the effectiveness of positive thinking counseling and cognitive reconstruction in reducing perceived stress among infertile women. Methods A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with 57 women who had undergone unsuccessful IVF cycles at the Fatemiyeh Infertility Center in Hamadan, Western Iran. Using block randomization, participants were randomly assigned to the control group (29 participants)and the intervention group (28 participants). The intervention group received individual face-to-face positive thinking counseling and cognitive reconstruction in eight sessions, each lasting 45 to 60 min. Stress levels were measured using the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale at the beginning of the study and on the embryo transfer day for both groups. Data were analyzed using Stata-13, with a significance levelof p  < 0.05. Results Both groups’ mean perceived stress scores showed no statistically significant differences before the intervention ( p  = 0.168). However, after the intervention, the mean perceived stress scores in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( p  < 0.001). Conclusions It appears that the use of these counseling approaches leads to a reduction in perceived stress among infertile women. Trial registration Registration Number: IRCT20120215009014N474, registered on May15, 2023.

Background The unsuccessful treatment of infertility can lead to heightened levels of negative emotions, which are often associated with various psychological consequences. These consequences may include a decrease in self-confidence, feelings of loneliness, reduced self-esteem, and even discontinuation of treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to implement interventions that can help improve these consequences for women who have experienced IVF failure. The present study aimed to examine the effect of supportive counseling on self-esteem of infertile women after IVF failure. Methods this randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 63 infertile women after IVF failure, referred to Milad Infertility Center in Mashhad in 2021. In the intervention group, the researcher provided individual supportive counseling sessions. These sessions took place over a span of four weeks, with each session lasting 60 min (One session every week). Data collection was conducted both before and one month after the study using Eysenck self-esteem Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS25, as well as statistical tests such as chi-square, independent t-test, Paired t-test and Mann-Whitney tests. A significance level of less than 5% was considered. Results The study found no significant difference in mean scores of self-esteem between the two groups before the study ( p  = 0.823). However, after one month, the intervention group had significantly higher self-esteem scores (24.3 ± 18.55) compared to the control group (21.74 ± 5.62) ( p  = 0.043) Moreover, Based on the Within-group comparison, there was a 2.43 ± 3.24 point increase in self-esteem scores of the intervention group after one month, while the control group showed a -0.33 ± 3.72 point decrease. Conclusion Supportive counseling was found to be effective in improving self-esteem following IVF failure. As a result, it can be recommended as an effective, affordable, and low-risk counseling approach for women who have experienced IVF failure. By offering supportive counseling, it is possible to help prevent and alleviate the psychological consequences associated with IVF failure. Trial registration This research project was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with code IRCT20210407050883N1- Date of registration 2021-05-25.

Background This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mindfulness-based support on the psychosocial status of women undergoing infertility treatment. Method The study was conducted with 34 women who were about to start in vitro fertilization (IVF) and met the inclusion criteria. Participants were randomly assigned to either the experimental group ( n  = 17) or the control group ( n  = 17) using random number sequences generated on “ http://www.random.org . This process accounted for potential participant loss and was implemented in the order of participation. When cases withdrew, new participants were assigned based on the random sequence. All participants were women over the age of 18, literate, and users of smartphones. The experimental group used the IVFmind mobile application, specially developed for this study to facilitate mindfulness practices for infertility treatment. Psychosocial status was assessed using the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale, Infertility Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form, Infertility Adjustment Scale, and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Data were collected through pre-tests and post-tests, and statistical analyses were performed. Results There were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups in terms of socio-demographic characteristics and infertility-related factors ( p  > 0.05). Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale: No significant difference was found between groups in the pre-test scores (U = 120,000, p  = 0.398). However, post-test scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (U = 0.000, p  < 0.001). Infertility Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form: No significant difference was found between groups in the pre-test scores (U = 125,500, p  = 0.503). In the post-test, the experimental group scored significantly higher than the control group (U = 0.000, p  < 0.001). Infertility Adjustment Scale: Pre-test scores showed no significant differences between the groups (U = 106,500, p  = 0.184). In the post-test, the experimental group had significantly lower scores compared to the control group, indicating better adjustment (U = 3,000, p  < 0.001). Depression Anxiety Stress Scale: There was no significant difference between the groups in the pre-test scores (U = 141,000, p  = 0.904). However, post-test scores of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group (U = 56,500, p  = 0.002). Conclusions The mindfulness-based mobile application positively impacted the psychosocial status of women undergoing infertility treatment, demonstrating significant improvements. The experimental group showed notable increases in mindfulness, self-efficacy, and adjustment levels, along with significant reductions in depression and anxiety. These results highlight the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in addressing psychological challenges associated with infertility and suggest that mobile applications can be a valuable tool for supporting mental health in this context. Trial registration The research was registered on http://clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT05708937). Date of Registration: 01\\24\\2023.

Background Infertility is often considered a significant emotional challenge in a woman’s life, leading to heightened levels of psychological distress including stress, depression, and anxiety. Given the profound impact of these negative emotions, especially stress, on various aspects of life and fertility treatment outcomes, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of guided imagery relaxation on stress level among infertile women undergoing In vitro fertilization. Methods This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 60 infertile women preparing for In vitro fertilization in a private fertility clinic in Tehran. Subjects were randomly assigned to either the intervention ( n  = 30) or the control ( n  = 30) group. The intervention group engaged in six guided relaxation sessions, each lasting 45 min, delivered twice a week via audio podcasts. The control group received routine care without additional interventions. Both groups completed the Newton Infertility Stress Questionnaire before and immediately after the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results The average age of women in the intervention and control group were 35.21 ± 4.39 years and 34.93 ± 5.46 years, respectively. There was also no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of age and other demographic and fertility variables ( P  > 0.05). The total stress score before the intervention was 138.61 ± 28.40 in the intervention group and 138.00 ± 24.46 in the control group, and this difference was not statistically significant ( P  > 0.05). The findings indicated a greater reduction in infertility-related stress scores and its subscales in the intervention group compared to the control group although this difference was not statistically significant ( P  > 0.05). In addition, the overall stress score demonstrated a significant decrease in both the intervention ( P  = 0.03) and control ( P  = 0.002) groups after intervention. Conclusion Considering the observed reduction in stress among infertile women following guided imagery relaxation, this technique may serve as a beneficial complementary approach in infertility treatment. Integrating relaxation methods alongside medical treatments and psychological counseling could potentially reduce stress, enhance well-being, and improve treatment outcomes. Trial registration This clinical trial registered with the Clinical Trials Registry of Iran under the registration number IRCT20160821029446N9 at 2021-09-03.

Objective To evaluate the effects of a multifaceted empowerment strategy on the actual use of single embryo transfer after in vitro fertilisation.Design Randomised controlled trial.Setting Five in vitro fertilisation clinics in the Netherlands.Participants 308 couples (women aged <40) on the waiting list for a first in vitro fertilisation cycle.Interventions The multifaceted strategy aimed to empower couples in deciding how many embryos should be transferred. The strategy consisted of a decision aid, support of a nurse specialising in in vitro fertilisation, and the offer of reimbursement by way of an extra treatment cycle. The control group received standard care for in vitro fertilisation.Main outcome measures Use of single embryo transfer in the first and second treatment cycles as well as decision making variables and costs of the empowerment strategy.Results After the first treatment cycle, single embryo transfer was used by 43% (65/152) of couples in the intervention group and 32% (50/156) in the control group (difference 11%, 95% confidence interval 0% to 22%; P=0.05). After the second treatment cycle, single embryo transfer was used by 26% (14/154) of couples in the intervention group compared with 16% (8/51) in the control group (difference 10%, −6% to 26%; P=0.20). Compared with couples receiving standard care, those receiving the empowerment strategy had significantly higher empowerment and knowledge levels but no differences in anxiety levels. Mean total savings per couple in the intervention group were calculated to be €169.75 (£146.77; $219.12).Conclusions A multifaceted empowerment strategy encouraged use of single embryo transfer, increased patients’ knowledge, reduced costs, and had no effect on levels of anxiety or depression. This strategy could therefore be an important tool to reduce the twin pregnancy rate after in vitro fertilisation. This trial did not, however, demonstrate the anticipated 25% difference in use of single embryo transfer of the power calculation.Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00315029.

IntroductionInfertility generally counts as a profound crisis in the lives of couples and as an emotionally stressful experience. For couples undergoing fertility treatment, this is especially true of the waiting period following embryo transfer, which couples say is the most stressful period during treatment. However, at this specific phase, psychosocial counselling is not always available on the spot. The aim of this randomised controlled trial (RCT) study was to test the Positive Adjustment Coping Intervention (PACI), a low-dose, smartphone-supported psychological intervention for women and men undergoing fertility treatment.Methods and analysisThe effectiveness of PACI is tested by means of a prospective two-arm RCT. During the 14-day waiting period between oocyte puncture/oocyte thawing and pregnancy test, participants are randomly assigned to one of the two groups, and both women and men receive daily text messages on their smartphones. One group receives text messages with statements reflecting positive-adjustment coping attitudes, the other group messages containing cognitive distractions. The primary outcome of this study is the reduction of psychosocial burden during the waiting period of reproductive treatment. Furthermore, we want to assess whether there are differences between the interventions in a pre-post assessment. The secondary outcomes are information on perceived effectiveness and practicability of the intervention one month after the waiting period.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been obtained from the Ethics Committee of Heidelberg University Faculty of Medicine (S-074/2017). Study findings are planned for dissemination via peer-reviewed journal articles and at national and international conferences.Trial registration number NCT03118219; Pre-results.Protocol versionVersion 2.0 dated 18/02/2019.

To explore the mood protective effect of prophylactic SSRI treatment on women undergoing IVF suffering from moderate affective and anxiety symptoms. In a randomized double blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design study, 41 women diagnosed with an Adjustment Disorder, who were undergoing IVF treatments, were randomized into two groups; a study group (n = 22) administered escitalopram 10 mg/day, and a control group (n = 19) administered placebo for a total of 8 weeks before and during the IVF treatment cycle. Patients were assessed at the onset of drug treatment and at embryo transfer. The main outcome measure was the difference in mean score severity rating of depression and anxiety symptoms on the CES-D and Zung questionnaires between groups at the time of embryo transfer. Secondary outcome measures included the MHI rating subscales addressing aspects of psychological distress and coping. At the day of embryo transfer (6 weeks of drug treatment), the CES-D average score for the treatment group was 6.40 (6.71) and 27.47 (4.29) on the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, while the placebo group scored an average of 15.83 (8.69) and 33.17 (6.95) receptively. These findings were significant (p = .004, p = .015 receptively) and were endorsed by the scoring on the MHI questionnaire subscales. Short-term treatment with SSRI may serve as a prophylactic treatment against the perpetuation and possible worsening of depressive and anxiety symptoms in women undergoing IVF treatments. Further studies concerning pharmacological interventions in larger samples and studies addressing screening for psychological stress indicators in this population are warranted.

ObjectivesThe hypothesis that shared decision-making (SDM) reduces medical practice variations is increasingly common, but no evidence is available. We aimed to elaborate further on this, and to perform a first exploratory analysis to examine this hypothesis. This analysis, based on a limited data set, examined how SDM is associated with variation in the choice of single embryo transfer (SET) or double embryo transfer (DET) after in vitro fertilisation (IVF). We examined variation between and within hospitals.DesignA secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial.Setting5 hospitals in the Netherlands.Participants222 couples (woman aged <40 years) on a waiting list for a first IVF cycle, who could choose between SET and DET (ie, ≥2 embryos available).InterventionSDM via a multifaceted strategy aimed to empower couples in deciding how many embryos should be transferred. The strategy consisted of decision aid, support of IVF nurse and the offer of reimbursement for an extra treatment cycle. Control group received standard IVF care.Outcome measureDifference in variation due to SDM in the choice of SET or DET, both between and within hospitals.ResultsThere was large variation in the choice of SET or DET between hospitals in the control group. Lower variation between hospitals was observed in the group with SDM. Within most hospitals, variation in the choice of SET or DET appeared to increase due to SDM. Variation particularly increased in hospitals where mainly DET was chosen in the control group.ConclusionsAlthough based on a limited data set, our study gives a first insight that including patients’ preferences through SDM results in less variation between hospitals, and indicates another pattern of variation within hospitals. Variation that results from patient preferences could be potentially named the informed patient rate. Our results provide the starting point for further research.Trial registration numberNCT00315029; Post-results.

We aimed to explore the influence of solution-focused approach (SFA) on anxiety and depression, sleep quality, quality of life and clinical pregnancy rate among women aged 35 or over undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET). The study was performed at the reproductive center in a public hospital in Lanzhou city. Totally, 112 women were enrolled in this study, and were divided into group SFA (n = 56) and group control (n = 56). The patients in the group SFA completed five sessions (30 minutes/turn), and patients in the group control received routine care. The intervention group showed a significant decrease in anxiety (t =  11.906, P <  0.001) and depression scores (t =  14.991, P <  0.001), as well as PSQI scores (t =  7.055, P <  0.001), and increased FertiQoL scores (t =  -2.828, P <  0.001). Comparing the two groups after the intervention, the intervention group demonstrated significantly lower SAS scores (t =  -10.348, P <  0.001), SDS scores (t =  -8.416, P <  0.001), and PSQI scores (t =  -5.087, P <  0.001), while FertiQoL scores were higher than the control group (t =  2.389, P =  0.019). The intervention group reported a satisfaction rate of 96.2% to 100% with the SFA. SFA can help relieve anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality and reproductive life quality. Improvement in psychological distress might not contribute to increasing female fecundity. Patients in the group SFA were satisfied with the intervention. Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300075444).