Gender differences in experiences with and adjustments to infertility: A literature review

The Partnership and Coping Enhancement Programme for couples undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment: the development of a complex intervention in China

“…The three steps are as follows: (1) identifying evidence by conducting reviews of the relevant literature and carrying out a concept analysis and a qualitative study; (2) identifying/developing a theory-in this case, putting forward a preliminary Endurance with Partnership Conceptual Framework (P-EPCF) for couples undergoing IVF treatment; and (3) modelling the process and outcomes of the PCEP. It should be noted that the literature reviews [1,3,21], the concept analysis [25] and the qualitative study [26] have been published, and that the preliminary Endurance with Partnership Conceptual Framework (P-EPCF) [27] has been developed and is under review for publication. The key findings of these reviews and the studies that contributed to the development of this complex intervention are recaptured and presented in this report.…”

“…Three extensive reviews were conducted to obtain a better understanding of the couples' experiences with infertility [1] and IVF treatment [3] and to examine the effects of established randomized controlled studies of psychosocial interventions on patients/couples undergoing IVF treatment [21]. The findings of the reviews provide some valuable suggestions on developing interventions for couples undergoing IVF treatment.…”

“…The findings of the first review indicated that the females of infertile couples had more negative experiences than their male partners, while both females and males were subjected to a stressful married life [1]. For both men and women of infertile couples, support from one's partner was inversely related to stress [1].…”

“…It is well recognized that couples as dyads suffer from the diagnosis of infertility and its treatment [1]. These couples experience emotional and physical pain and tension in their marital lives [1].…”

“…These couples experience emotional and physical pain and tension in their marital lives [1]. When the couples pursue IVF treatment, the intrusive procedures and the low rate of success (18.4-20.3 %) adds to their distress [2].…”