To estimate association of depression and anxiety scores with oocyte and sperm numbers and pregnancy rates during in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, 80 Turkish couples were administered the Spielberger State and Trait Anxiety and Beck Depression Inventories. A significant correlation (r = -.25) obtained between Depression and women's oocyte pickup data and number of oocytes, showed that low oocyte numbers w ere associated with higher Depression. No significant relation was found for sperm counts with Anxiety and Depression scores on the day of oocyte pickup and sperm collection, but sperm motility was weakly and inversely correlated with Depression scores. Women with high State Anxiety score on the oocyte pickup day had significant lower pregnancy rates, as did those with higher Depression. Counseling of couples by health professionals on fertility-related issues to be implemented in IVF units is advisable.

The purpose of present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of counseling provided by nurses on depression and coping strategies of infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization (N=67). Of the 84 women who were interviewed, 30 were accepted as a comparison group, and 37 were included in the study group. The study group women were given counseling in addition to routine nursing care services, including group education and individual interviews about treatment and coping strategies. The nurses also provided support by accompanying the women during the invasive procedures. The Beck Depression Inventory and Jalowiec's Coping Strategies Form were used for measurements. All the women were using emotional coping and had moderate depression prior to the study. There was no statistically significant difference between the comparison and study groups before or after the counseling with respect to depression and coping strategies. Parameters to evaluate the efficacy of counseling are discussed.