The relationship of the psychological coping and adjustment strategies of infertile women with the success of assisted reproductive technology

Background: The success of assisted reproductive techniques plays a very important role in the quality of life of infertile couples and decreases the negative behavior states of infertility.Objective: This study aimed at determining the relationship of different psychological coping and adjustment strategies with the success of assisted reproductive technology.Materials and Methods: This correlational study was conducted on 204 women visiting Milad Infertility Center in Mashhad during 2015-2016. The research instruments included Fertility Adjustment Scale and Infertility Coping Strategies Scale. The positive results of 2 pregnancy tests within 48 hours was considered as the success of assisted reproductive technology.Results: The mean and standard division score of adjustment in the group achieved treatment success (34.3±8.2) exceeded the group failed (33.6±8.8), the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.381). Also there was no significant difference between groups in the median and interquartile range of total coping strategies 81 (13) vs. 79.5 (12.25), (p=0.369), but the successful group had a higher coping score in the fate domain than the unsuccessful group (p=0.037). Based on the logistic regression model for one increased transferred embryo, the chance of getting pregnant is 1.3 times and for each unit increase in FSH level, the chance of ART success decreases 18%.Conclusion: The results of this study can ensure that the infertile women are not concerned about choosing their coping and adjustment strategies, because these would not affect their treatment success rates. It can also reduce the level of stress and anxiety of infertile women and improve their quality of life.

Keywords:

Infertility , Psychological adjustment , Coping strategies , Assisted reproductive technology (ART)