Distress and Coping Among Infertile Women Attempting to Conceive Naturally

Abstract

Approximately one in five Canadian couples experience infertility, defined as being unable to achieve pregnancy despite 12 or more months of attempts to conceive. Experiencing infertility has been disproportionately associated with an array of psychological difficulties in women, however, there has been little research examining which coping strategies and behaviours may be helpful during these high-distress times of a woman’s cycle. Fifty-eight women were recruited for a study, via social media, examining the daily coping strategies and fertility monitoring methods (e.g., use of ovulation predictor tests), in relation to daily infertility distress among women with infertility. Over the course of one menstrual cycle, daily coping strategies, use of fertility monitoring methods, quality of life, and mood was assessed in the morning and evening of every second day. A number of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies were identified: adaptive strategies included focusing one’s energy on activities unrelated to conceiving, such as focusing on other life goals, trying to stay optimistic, and actively planning next steps following an unsuccessful cycle. In contrast, avoidance of infertility reminders and seeking emotional support from others were associated with worse psychological outcomes. The use of fertility monitoring techniques was associated with greater anxiety. In terms of the influence of pregnancy test taking, a negative test was associated with an increase in depressive symptoms but also a decrease in anxiety symptoms compared to days where no test is taken. These findings highlight a number of potential areas for clinical targets for future infertility specific interventions.