Distribution of stress level among infertility patients

Abstract

Background: Infertile couples often suffer from monthly chronic stress when fertilization does not occur. The relationship between stress and infertility creates a cycle that mutually reinforces this impact. In the process, more complex infertility therapies can increase stress levels, affecting the outcomes of these therapies. Objective: To characterize the distribution of stress levels that may be experienced by married couples suffering from infertility at the Yasmin IVF Clinic – Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital Jakarta. Methods: Sixty-three infertile patients who came to Yasmin IVF Clinic, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital were given a self-assessment questionnaire (self-reporting questionnaire = SRQ 20) to assess the presence of the stress they were encountering. Results: Of the 63 infertile patients in this study, 14 (22.3%) were experiencing stress, whereas 49 (77.7%) were not showing symptoms of stress. Among the 20 symptoms listed in the questionnaire, feeling fatigue was the most prominent complaint (38.1%). The duration of infertility showed a significant correlation with the level of stress experienced by the patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Twenty-two percent of infertile patients in the Yasmin IVF Clinic experienced stress mainly associated with the duration of their infertility. The symptoms included physical manifestations that interfered with their daily activities. Holistic treatments, including psychosocial approaches, are important in the management of infertility.

Keywords

• Stress
• Infertility
• Psychosocial