Student's perception of couples' need for phychological help after diagnosis of infertility and suggestion of IVF treatment

Abstract

The diagnosis of infertility and the recommendation of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, has been reported to be associated with stress and to affect both personal and social relationships of the involved couple. We studied the beliefs of our students about the couple’s need for psychological help after infertility diagnosis. We developed and assessed a questionnaire on the psychological aspects which may be involved in infertility and the need of IVF treatment. 100 students answered the questionnaire. Results show that 71% of our students believe that when a couple visits for the first time an IVF clinic for evaluation and treatment, apart from the usual physical and laboratory tests, a psychological interview is definitely needed. 67% of the students believe that meeting the psychologist helps the couple to face their personal needs better. 68% of the students believe that couples facing IVF may need more than the initial psychological interview. 74% of the students think that the initial psychological interview of IVF couples involves a lot of stress. 80% of the students think that if they had to face IVF, they would need psychological help themselves. 62% believe that psychological help is in fact offered to the couples. 62% of the students think that psychological help during IVF is better offered in the European Community and in the USA