Positive approach to mental health during IVF treatment

  In recent years, the prevalence of infertility is gradually increasing in China, and the continuous development of various assisted reproductive technologies based on in vitro fertilization embryo transfer has brought hope to the majority of infertility patients. At the same time, it also brings some psychological problems to many patients, which need to be actively faced by patients and medical workers, and at the same time give enough support and care to patients to solve the various medical problems we face together and overcome the difficulties together.  The following is a brief description of the common psychological problems I encountered in my clinical work: 1. anxiety and fear: most infertile couples have a long history of infertility before receiving assisted reproductive technology treatment, and have received many ways of treatment failure before this experience has caused a great burden on the patient’s psyche, they often think that this is the last line of defense, if If they fail, there is no better solution.  At the same time, because assisted reproductive technology is influenced by many factors, some patients need to undergo multiple treatments, so many patients have a series of physical symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, palpitations, etc. Under the weight of long-term anxiety and depressive psychological pressure, patients will develop characteristics such as fear, panic, denial, apprehension, frustration, paranoia and suspicion.  2. Economic and time pressure: With long visits, they are not only under great economic pressure, but also the pressure from the limitation of visit time and work adjustment. Compared to other diseases, the treatment process of assisted reproduction therapy is relatively long, usually taking 2-3 months. Also, most couples of childbearing age have heavy social workloads, and it is difficult for these patients to adjust their work schedule for treatment.  In addition, during the whole treatment process, patients need to bear the transportation, accommodation, food and more expensive medical expenses, most of which are not reimbursed and have to be paid out of pocket due to the inadequate medical insurance system. So it is really not easy for ordinary families.  3. Sensitive interpersonal relationship and pressure: Due to the influence of traditional fertility concept, it is considered a great shame to be unable to have children, especially for patients from rural areas, they may feel social pressure and discrimination from family, colleagues and friends.  In addition, for social and religious reasons, most women who have undergone assisted reproductive technology do not want others to know that they conceived with the help of assisted reproductive technology and are sensitive to what others say or do. Once a failed conception, social relationships and psychological pressure will be greatly increased, so these patients are in the hospital and outside the hospital sources can bring pressure on them.  4. Physical health stress: Due to the complicated procedures and long cycles of IVF-ET treatment, female patients often suffer a lot of physical pain, such as the injection of various ovulation drugs during the ovulation promotion period, the pain of egg retrieval, and the injection of progesterone after embryo transfer. In addition, the potential carcinogenic effects of ovulation-promoting drugs increase their concern for their health.