BACKGROUND<\/p>\n
More couples are delaying childbirth resulting in an increase of age-related subfertility in women. Subfertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments may affect couples' psychological well-being. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether factors related to IVF\/ICSI affect anxiety and mental health in couples 1 year after childbirth.<\/p>\n
METHOD<\/p>\n
In this cohort study, we included couples with a singleton pregnancy following IVF\/ICSI treatment (n<\/I> = 113) and subfertile couples who naturally conceived (NC; n<\/I> = 83). Parental trait anxiety (Dutch version of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) and mental health (Dutch version of General Health Questionnaire) were assessed 1 year after childbirth. The influence of fertility-related factors was analyzed with logistic regression analyses.<\/p>\n
RESULTS<\/p>\n
One hundred and ninety-six couples participated, 93% of those eligible. Trait anxiety and mental health were similar in IVF\/ICSI and NC groups. However, NC fathers had more often mental health scores in the clinical range (21%) than fathers in the IVF\/ICSI group (9%). The risk of having a trait anxiety or mental health score in the clinical range was reduced by the presence of one of the following factors: for females a higher number of IVF\/ICSI treatment cycles, and a maternal cause of subfertility, for males having been treated by IVF\/ICSI and a longer time to pregnancy.<\/p>\n
CONCLUSIONS<\/p>\n
The present study indicates (i) that IVF\/ICSI treatment is not associated with an increase in clinically relevant Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and General Health Questionnaire scores in parents 1 year after childbirth and (ii) a higher number of IVF\/ICSI treatment cycles and a longer time to pregnancy were associated with less trait anxiety and better mental health. A limitation of the study is the absence of mental health and trait anxiety data at baseline.<\/p>\n
Source: BACKGROUND More couples are delaying childbirth resulting in an increase of age-related subfertility in women. Subfertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments may affect couples' psychological well-being. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether factors related to … Continue reading
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