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Stress and ART

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In Vitro Fertilization

Abstract

Psychological stress, most commonly manifested by symptoms of anxiety and depression, is a common occurrence in individuals and couples who are struggling with infertility. Sources of stress include a feeling of being out of control, social pressure, the time urgency brought on by the biological clock, and the financial cost of treatment, which is often not covered by insurance. The level of distress reported by infertile women is equivalent to the level of distress reported by women who are facing serious medical issues. In addition to feeling unpleasant, stress is associated with premature treatment termination and possible lower pregnancy rates with the ARTs. Research supports the efficacy of psychological interventions in relieving distress with this patient population as well as potentially increasing pregnancy rates. The most effective interventions include ones which are at least six sessions in length and include instruction in specific stress-reducing skills.

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Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank Kristin Rooney for her assistance with this chapter.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Domar Center, Boston IVF, 130 Second Avenue, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA

    Alice Domar Ph.D.

  2. Boston IVF, 130 Second Avenue, Waltham, MA, 02451, USA

    Jill Gross M.S.

Authors
  1. Alice Domar Ph.D.
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  2. Jill Gross M.S.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alice Domar Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Francis St 75, Boston, 02115, Massachusetts, USA

    Elizabeth S. Ginsburg

  2. and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinlogy, Francis St. 75, Boston, 02115, Massachusetts, USA

    Catherine Racowsky

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© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media New York

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Domar, A., Gross, J. (2012). Stress and ART. In: Ginsburg, E., Racowsky, C. (eds) In Vitro Fertilization. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9848-4_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9848-4_13

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-9847-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-9848-4

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