Educational Program for Improving Coping Strategies among Couples undergoing In Vitro Fertilization

Abstract

n Vitro Fertilization is one assisted reproductive 2 technology (ART) commonly referred to as IVF. IVF is the process of fertilization by manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish, and then transferring the embryo to the uterus (Baer, Lykins, and Peters, 2012). IVF treatment is complex process includes "daily injections, semen analysis, scans, and invasive procedures" may be a cause of distress to both partners. Moreover, many couples have to deal with treatment failure and are often confronted with emotionally difficult treatment choices, such as whether or not to freeze embryos ( Jóźków and Mędraś, 2013). Coping is a way of controlling and regulating stress. Coping strategies refer to the specific efforts, both behavioral and psychological, that people employ to master, tolerate, reduce, or minimize stressful events. For couples experiencing infertility, coping can play an important role in managing heightened demands unexpectedly placed upon them. For most couples, infertility is a life-changing experience that often carries unexpected stressors and potential stigmatization, thus coping strategies is very important for infertile couple (Myers, 2011).