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Koochaksaraei FY, Simbar M, Khoshnoodifar M, Faramarzi M, Nasiri M. Interventions promoting mental health dimensions in infertile women: a systematic review. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:254. [PMID: 37653562 PMCID: PMC10472670 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01285-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scientific developments have brought hope to infertile couples; however, the results are not always favorable. This makes women suffer psychological pressure. Therefore, previous studies have investigated the effectiveness of many psychological interventions but no research identified the most common psychological interventions. In this regard, the present review aimed to investigate different psychological interventions that promote mental health in infertile to identify the most frequent (common) ones. METHODS In the present study, the search was carried out using appropriate keywords Infertility, psychological interventions, mental health, stress, anxiety, depression and women in the Google Scholar، Magiran، SID، Pubmed، Scopus، Science Direct، ProQuest، Web of Science databases and One of the leading websites in health- WHO with Persian and English languages and two operators of "AND" and "OR" between 2000 and 2021. RESULTS First, 7319 articles were searched, 6948 articles of which were removed due to irrelevant subjects, and 31 articles were removed due to duplication. 340 abstracts were examined and the results of 60 articles were extracted. Two approaches (examining the type and content of intervention) were used to extract findings. The first approach indicated high diversity in psychological interventions, leading to the categorization of the interventions into 4 categories of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mind-body interventions (MBI), stress management skills, and others. CBT and MBI and stress management skills were found as the most frequent promoting interventions for mental health in infertile women. The second approach indicated the differences in protocols (number of sessions and time of interventions). CONCLUSION Despite differences in protocol of interventions under study, the results of all articles revealed the effectiveness of interventions in improving infertile women's mental health; therefore, it is suggested to apply the most common psychological interventions based on scientific evidence (CBT, MBI, and stress management skills) along with infertility treatment methods. The results will help the specialists, policy-makers, and planners to select and implement the most appropriate psychological interventions for infertile women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Yahyavi Koochaksaraei
- Student Research Committee, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Simbar
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Midwifery and Reproductive Health Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehrnoosh Khoshnoodifar
- E-Learning Department, Virtual school of Medical Education and management, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahbobeh Faramarzi
- Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- Population and Family Spiritual Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Science, Babol, Iran
| | - Malihe Nasiri
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Dias L, Willems SG, Luyten J, De Loecker P, D'Hooghe TM, Peeraer K, Dancet EAF. The need for longitudinal data on the value of fertility treatment for infertile patients' quality of life: A review and pilot study. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023:102324. [PMID: 36948947 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Infertility threatens the life goal of parenthood and, hence, quality of life (QoL) of (wo)men, but the fertility clinic trajectory might be burdensome. This review of longitudinal studies and pilot longitudinal study examines the impact of the pre-in vitro fertilization (IVF) fertility clinic trajectory on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for emotional well-being, including QoL. A publication found that the diagnostic workup decreases men's infertility-specific distress while publications disagree whether it decreases (wo)men's anxious and depressive reactions. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) was found to increase (wo)men's depressive reactions. Publications on infertility-specific, health-related, and overall QoL were missing. The pilot indicated that (wo)men's overall QoL is not affected by the diagnostic workup but is decreased by the time of the third IUI. Longitudinal studies on the impact of starting the fertility clinic trajectory on PROMs are needed as they are essential for patient-centered clinical decision-making and patient-centered policy-level decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dias
- Fertiliteitscentrum Antwerpen, GZA Ziekenhuizen, Oosterveldlaan 24, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - S G Willems
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35 Blok D - Bus 7001, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - J Luyten
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35 Blok D - Bus 7001, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - P De Loecker
- Fertiliteitscentrum Antwerpen, GZA Ziekenhuizen, Oosterveldlaan 24, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
| | - T M D'Hooghe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Merck, United States.
| | - K Peeraer
- Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Leuven University Fertility Centre, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - E A F Dancet
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35 Blok D - Bus 7001, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Dube L, Bright K, Hayden KA, Gordon JL. Efficacy of psychological interventions for mental health and pregnancy rates among individuals with infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:71-94. [PMID: 36191078 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression and anxiety are highly prevalent among individuals struggling with infertility. Thus, numerous psychological interventions have been adapted to infertility, with the aim of relieving distress as well as increasing pregnancy rates. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect of psychological interventions on infertility-related distress and pregnancy rates among individuals and/or couples with infertility and to analyse their overall effect. It also sought to examine potential treatment moderators, including intervention length, format and therapeutic approach. SEARCH METHODS An electronic search of 11 databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, was performed for studies published until January 2022. The inclusion criteria were RCTs conducted on humans and published in English. Psychological outcomes of interest included anxiety, depression, infertility-related distress, wellbeing and marital satisfaction. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess study quality, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation was used to assess the overall quality of the research evidence. OUTCOMES There were 58 RCTs in total, including 54 which included psychological outcomes and 21 which assessed pregnancy rates. Studies originated from all regions of the world, but nearly half of the studies were from the Middle East. Although a beneficial effect on combined psychological outcomes was found (Hedge's g = 0.82, P < 0.0001), it was moderated by region (P < 0.00001) such that studies from the Middle East exhibited large effects (g = 1.40, P < 0.0001), while the effects were small among studies conducted elsewhere (g = 0.23, P < 0.0001). Statistically adjusting for study region in a meta-regression, neither intervention length, therapeutic approach, therapy format, nor participant gender (P > 0.05) moderated the effect of treatment. A beneficial treatment effect on pregnancy (RR (95% CI) = 1.25 (1.07-1.47), P = 0.005) was not moderated by region, treatment length, approach or format (P > 0.05). Largely due to the lack of high quality RCTs, the quality of the available evidence was rated as low to moderate. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This is the first meta-analysis of RCTs testing the effect of psychological interventions on infertility-related distress and pregnancy rates. These findings suggest that in most regions of the world, psychological interventions are associated with small reductions in distress and modest effects on conception, suggesting the need for more effective interventions. These findings must be considered in light of the fact that the majority of the included RCTs were deemed to be at high risk of bias. Rigorously conducted trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loveness Dube
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Katherine Bright
- Department of Outpatient Psychiatry, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - K Alix Hayden
- Department of Libraries and Cultural Resources, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jennifer L Gordon
- Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
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Rahimi R, Hasanpour S, Mirghafourvand M, Esmaeilpour K. Effect of Hope-oriented group counseling on mental health of infertile women with failed IVF cycles: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:286. [PMID: 34078307 PMCID: PMC8171030 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03280-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considering the prevalence of infertility in the community and the consequences of failure of infertility treatments on women's mental health, interventions that can control stress, anxiety and depression in infertile women with a history of IVF failure will be very helpful. This study aimed to determine the effects of hope-oriented group counseling on mental health (primary outcome) and quality of life (QoL) (secondary outcome) of women with failed IVF cycles. METHOD This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 women with failed IVF cycles visiting Infertility Clinic at Al-Zahra Teaching Hospital of Tabriz- Iran. Participants were allocated to the intervention group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30) based on a randomized block design. Hope-oriented group counseling was provided to the intervention group in six 45-60 min sessions (once a week). The control group only received routine care to undergo another IVF cycle. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the SF-12 Quality of Life Scale were filled out by interviewing the participants before the intervention and one week and one month after the intervention. After intervention 26 participants in each group were included in the analysis. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the socio-demographic profile of participants (P > 0.05). The post-intervention mean score of stress (adjusted mean difference = - 1.7, 95% confidence interval: - 3.2 to - 0.3, P = 0.018) and depression (adjusted mean difference = - 1.3, 95% confidence interval: - 4.7 to - 1.5, P < 0.001) was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control. Although the mean anxiety score was lower in the intervention group compared to the control, the difference between them was not statistically significant (adjusted mean difference = - 1.1, 95% confidence interval: - 2.6 to 0.4, P = 0.153). The mean score of QoL was significantly higher in the intervention group than that of the control group (adjusted mean difference = 6.9, 95% confidence interval: 5.1 to 8.8, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Hope-oriented group counseling was effective in reducing stress and depression and improving QoL in women with failed IVF cycles. It is recommended to use this counseling approach, along with other methods, to improve the mental health of women with failed IVF cycles. TRIAL REGISTRATION TCT Registration Number: TCTR 20191017003 , registered on October 17, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Rahimi
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Student Research Committee, Department of Midwifery, Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shirin Hasanpour
- Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Artesh Street, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Mojgan. Mirghafourvand
- grid.412888.f0000 0001 2174 8913Midwifery Department, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Khalil Esmaeilpour
- grid.412831.d0000 0001 1172 3536Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
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Boedt T, Vanhove AC, Vercoe MA, Matthys C, Dancet E, Lie Fong S. Preconception lifestyle advice for people with infertility. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 4:CD008189. [PMID: 33914901 PMCID: PMC8092458 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008189.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infertility is a prevalent problem that has significant consequences for individuals, families, and the community. Modifiable lifestyle factors may affect the chance of people with infertility having a baby. However, no guideline is available about what preconception advice should be offered. It is important to determine what preconception advice should be given to people with infertility and to evaluate whether this advice helps them make positive behavioural changes to improve their lifestyle and their chances of conceiving. OBJECTIVES To assess the safety and effectiveness of preconception lifestyle advice on fertility outcomes and lifestyle behavioural changes for people with infertility. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group Specialised Register of controlled trials, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, AMED, CINAHL, trial registers, Google Scholar, and Epistemonikos in January 2021; we checked references and contacted field experts to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), randomised cross-over studies, and cluster-randomised studies that compared at least one form of preconception lifestyle advice with routine care or attention control for people with infertility. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. Primary effectiveness outcomes were live birth and ongoing pregnancy. Primary safety outcomes were adverse events and miscarriage. Secondary outcomes included reported behavioural changes in lifestyle, birth weight, gestational age, clinical pregnancy, time to pregnancy, quality of life, and male factor infertility outcomes. We assessed the overall quality of evidence using GRADE criteria. MAIN RESULTS We included in the review seven RCTs involving 2130 participants. Only one RCT included male partners. Three studies compared preconception lifestyle advice on a combination of topics with routine care or attention control. Four studies compared preconception lifestyle advice on one topic (weight, alcohol intake, or smoking) with routine care for women with infertility and specific lifestyle characteristics. The evidence was of low to very low-quality. The main limitations of the included studies were serious risk of bias due to lack of blinding, serious imprecision, and poor reporting of outcome measures. Preconception lifestyle advice on a combination of topics versus routine care or attention control Preconception lifestyle advice on a combination of topics may result in little to no difference in the number of live births (risk ratio (RR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79 to 1.10; 1 RCT, 626 participants), but the quality of evidence was low. No studies reported on adverse events or miscarriage. Due to very low-quality evidence, we are uncertain whether preconception lifestyle advice on a combination of topics affects lifestyle behavioural changes: body mass index (BMI) (mean difference (MD) -1.06 kg/m², 95% CI -2.33 to 0.21; 1 RCT, 180 participants), vegetable intake (MD 12.50 grams/d, 95% CI -8.43 to 33.43; 1 RCT, 264 participants), alcohol abstinence in men (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.58; 1 RCT, 210 participants), or smoking cessation in men (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.12; 1 RCT, 212 participants). Preconception lifestyle advice on a combination of topics may result in little to no difference in the number of women with adequate folic acid supplement use (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.01; 2 RCTs, 850 participants; I² = 4%), alcohol abstinence (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.17; 1 RCT, 607 participants), and smoking cessation (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.04; 1 RCT, 606 participants), on low quality evidence. No studies reported on other behavioural changes. Preconception lifestyle advice on weight versus routine care Studies on preconception lifestyle advice on weight were identified only in women with infertility and obesity. Compared to routine care, we are uncertain whether preconception lifestyle advice on weight affects the number of live births (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.43; 2 RCTs, 707 participants; I² = 68%; very low-quality evidence), adverse events including gestational diabetes (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.26; 1 RCT, 317 participants; very low-quality evidence), hypertension (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.75; 1 RCT, 317 participants; very low-quality evidence), or miscarriage (RR 1.50, 95% CI 0.95 to 2.37; 1 RCT, 577 participants; very low-quality evidence). Regarding lifestyle behavioural changes for women with infertility and obesity, preconception lifestyle advice on weight may slightly reduce BMI (MD -1.30 kg/m², 95% CI -1.58 to -1.02; 1 RCT, 574 participants; low-quality evidence). Due to very low-quality evidence, we are uncertain whether preconception lifestyle advice affects the percentage of weight loss, vegetable and fruit intake, alcohol abstinence, or physical activity. No studies reported on other behavioural changes. Preconception lifestyle advice on alcohol intake versus routine care Studies on preconception lifestyle advice on alcohol intake were identified only in at-risk drinking women with infertility. We are uncertain whether preconception lifestyle advice on alcohol intake affects the number of live births (RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.53 to 2.50; 1 RCT, 37 participants; very low-quality evidence) or miscarriages (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.21 to 8.34; 1 RCT, 37 participants; very low-quality evidence). One study reported on behavioural changes for alcohol consumption but not as defined in the review methods. No studies reported on adverse events or other behavioural changes. Preconception lifestyle advice on smoking versus routine care Studies on preconception lifestyle advice on smoking were identified only in smoking women with infertility. No studies reported on live birth, ongoing pregnancy, adverse events, or miscarriage. One study reported on behavioural changes for smoking but not as defined in the review methods. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Low-quality evidence suggests that preconception lifestyle advice on a combination of topics may result in little to no difference in the number of live births. Evidence was insufficient to allow conclusions on the effects of preconception lifestyle advice on adverse events and miscarriage and on safety, as no studies were found that looked at these outcomes, or the studies were of very low quality. This review does not provide clear guidance for clinical practice in this area. However, it does highlight the need for high-quality RCTs to investigate preconception lifestyle advice on a combination of topics and to assess relevant effectiveness and safety outcomes in men and women with infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessy Boedt
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anne-Catherine Vanhove
- Centre for Evidence-Based Practice, Belgian Red Cross, Mechelen, Belgium
- Belgian Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine - Cochrane Belgium, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Melissa A Vercoe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Christophe Matthys
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eline Dancet
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sharon Lie Fong
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Leuven University Fertility Center, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Elyasi F, Parkoohi PI, Naseri M, Gelekolaee KS, Hamedi M, Peyvandi S, Azizi M. Relationship between coping/attachment styles and infertility-specific distress in Iranian infertile individuals: A cross-sectional study. Int J Reprod Biomed 2021; 19:347-360. [PMID: 33997594 PMCID: PMC8106813 DOI: 10.18502/ijrm.v19i4.9061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infertility has been recognized as a stressful clinical condition, significantly affecting couples' emotional functioning. Objective To investigate the relationship between coping/attachment styles and infertility-specific distress (ISD) in infertile participants. Materials and Methods Atotal number of 240 infertile participants (120 women and 120 men) who attend the Outpatient Infertility Clinic in Sari, Iran between February and October 2017 were selected using the convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire addressing sociodemographic variables. In addition, coping and attachment styles were evaluated via the Coping Strategies Questionnaire and the Revised Adult Attachment Scale by Collins and Read (1990); respectively. Ultimately, the Infertility Distress Scale was used to assess ISD. Results The mean ISD score was 42.53 ± 9.63. Secure and insecure attachment styles were observed in 37.9% and 62.1% of the cases, respectively. There was a significant difference among ISD and different groups of attachment styles (p = 0.001) and emotion-focused coping style (p = 0.021). However, no significant relationship was found between problem-focused coping style and ISD (p = 0.985). Conclusion Considering the relationship between coping/attachment styles and ISD, it was recommended to implement stress prevention and coping education within the framework of coping/attachment theories for infertile individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forouzan Elyasi
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Center, Addiction Institute, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Parisa Islami Parkoohi
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Addiction Research Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Mahshid Naseri
- School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Keshvar Samadaee Gelekolaee
- Department of Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoume Hamedi
- IVF Ward, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sepideh Peyvandi
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Center IVF Ward, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Marzieh Azizi
- Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
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Hamidi F, Babapour F, Hamzehgardeshi Z. Infertility Distress Management in Couples Treated with Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) in COVID-19 Pandemic. J Reprod Infertil 2020; 21:312-313. [PMID: 33209743 PMCID: PMC7648875 DOI: 10.18502/jri.v21i4.4331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: World Health Organization estimates that 60–80 million couple worldwide currently suffer from infertility. Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is also another major concern. Chromosomal rearrangements play a crucial role in primary and secondary infertility and RPL. Underlying genetic abnormalities like chromosomal abnormalities contribute to 5–10% of the reproductive failures. The aim of the study was to evaluate the chromosomal abnormalities in infertility and RPL cases to help obstetrician/fertility experts to carry out risk assessment and provide appropriate assisted reproductive techniques for better management of the problem. Methods: Karyotyping was performed for 414 cases with the history of infertility and RPL over a period of one year. Samples were processed according to procedures of AGT cytogenetic laboratory manual. Results: Chromosomal abnormalities were observed in 15% of cases. Robertsonian translocation, reciprocal translocation, inversion, derivatives, marker chromosomes, mosaics, aneuploidy and polymorphic variants each contributed 2%, 3%, 3%, 13%, 2%, 10%, 6% and 61%, respectively. Conclusion: Evaluation of chromosomal abnormalities in couple is warranted prior to planning pregnancy especially for assisted reproductive management cases. Chromosomal analysis can be used as one of the diagnostic tools by OBG/IVF specialists in association with geneticist/genetic counselor for proper reproductive counseling and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Hamidi
- M.Sc., Student of Midwifery Counseling, Student Research Committee, Department of Midwifery, Nasibeh School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Babapour
- M.Sc., Student of Midwifery Counseling, Student Research Committee, Department of Midwifery, Nasibeh School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Zeinab Hamzehgardeshi
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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