In vitro fertilization: The multidimensional female experience
” Infertility is an issue in almost all cultures and societies and affects about 10-15% of couples of reproductive age. In recent years, the number of couples seeking treatment for infertility has increased rapidly.
The fact that more and more people are entering the process of in vitro fertilization has given greater visibility to the effects of infertility but also to the psychological footprint resulting from the process of medically assisted reproduction.”
This article focuses on the experience of women who are in the process of in vitro fertilization regarding their body, identity and potential effects on their feelings. Although each person’s experience is unique, we will explore situations, thoughts and concerns that are often observed and concern a large number of women.
Firstly, during the IVF procedure the woman receives medical treatment, even when the issue of fertility arises from her partner or even when the cause is unknown. The female body undergoes hormone injections, invasive interventions, ultrasounds and other procedures. The physical pain that often accompanies certain processes may also lead to emotional transitions.
“It is also worth focusing on the effects of in vitro fertilization on an individual’s identity”
It is also worth focusing on the effects of in vitro fertilization on an individual’s identity. It has been observed that women often experience a loss of identity or a sense of inadequate identity accompanied by feelings and thoughts of helplessness.
In addition to bodily experiences and those related to female identity, women in the process of in vitro fertilization often face emotional difficulties. Emotional changes may occur due to the physical pain, but also because of thoughts, concerns and feelings that arise during the process.
In particular, there is often anxiety about the process and its possible consequences, despair after a failed cycle of treatments, isolation from the social environment, as well as conflicts-difficulties in the communication between the couple.
Challenges to maintain a balanced relationship may also come up.
multidimensional
Female Experience
The multidimensional female experience during the IVF process and the cumulative effect of all these factors on the female psychosynthesis may not have received the required visibility yet. It is extremely useful to recognize this experience, to focus more on it, empowering women at all stages of the process.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/205891581000100208