We all know that trying to conceive through IVF can be a mentally and physically demanding experience. Therefore, we were saddened to hear the following news today.
The Irish Daily Mail reports that a new study has revealed that women who fail to conceive through IVF are more likely to suffer mental health problems than those who do manage to fall pregnant from the treatment.
According to researchers, women who did not end up with child after undergoing a round of IVF treatment were a fifth more likely to end up in a hospital suffering from a psychiatric illness. Of these psychiatric illnesses, alcohol abuse, eating disorders and schizophrenia came out on top.
The study of 98,737 women was revealed yesterday at a fertility conference in Istanbul.
Speaking about the findings, Helen Browne, from Cork’s National Infertility Support and Information Group, said that she was ‘shocked.’
“The majority of calls we get now are from women who have had unsuccessful treatment,” said Ms Browne.
“Yes they are devastated and they are hurting. It’s like grief and it takes time to come to term with it. Talking about it to somebody who knows the pain they are going through helps. Only a minority would be referred for counselling. The study findings are upsetting,” she added.
It is estimated that around 2,000 Irish couples use IVF every single year in an attempt to conceive.
“This large study confirms that the stresses caused by infertility are real, and can have a significant effect on the health and wellbeing of women,” said Dr Richard Kennedy of the International Federation of Fertility Societies.
There is no denying that the figures are definitely upsetting. If you, or someone you know, is worried about fertility issues please contact the National Infertility Support and Information Group on 1890 647 444 or visit their website here.
