Objective: The present study aimed to provide more insight into the possible differences in the fertility-related quality of life (FertiQoL) and emotional status of women undergoing different cycles of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed, and a total of 432 women undergoing IVF treatment were recruited. FertiQoL scale, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), self-rating depression scale (SDS), and perceived social support scale (PSSS) were used to analyze fertility-related QoL and emotional status. Data were analyzed comparing women undergoing different cycles of IVF treatments.
Results: A significant decrease in FertiQoL scores occurred in women with increased cycles of IVF treatment. Both anxiety and depression scores significantly increased with increased cycles of attempting IVF treatment. There was no significant difference detected in perceived social support among groups.
Conclusion: With the increase in the number of IVF treatment cycles, women’s FertiQoL gradually decreased, while the risk of anxiety and depression gradually increased.
Keywords: infertility, quality of life, emotional problems, IVF, treatment failure