Regret over the delay in childbearing decision negatively associates with life satisfaction among Japanese women and men seeking fertility treatment: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Currently, in developed countries, increasing numbers of women and men are delaying childbearing but begin seeking fertility treatment later in life. Some women undergoing infertility treatment develop negative feelings such as depression associated with low life satisfaction and regret over the delay in childbearing. We therefore examine the association of life satisfaction with regret over the delay in childbearing decision and infertility-related factors among Japanese women and men seeking fertility treatment. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 253 women and 196 men referred to fertility facilities in Japan from July to December 2018. Participants completed a questionnaire on life satisfaction, regret over the delay in childbearing decision, infertility-related factors and sociodemographic characteristics. Life satisfaction was measured using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and the degree of regret over delay in childbearing decision was measured on a 7-point Likert scale. Multiple linear regressions, conducted separately by sex, were used to analyze the association of life satisfaction with regret over the delay in childbearing decision and infertility-related factors. Results: Of the 253 women and 196 men, 102 (40.3%) women and 43 (21.9%) men answered "strongly agree" regarding their regret over the delay in childbearing decision. Among women, life satisfaction was negatively associated with regret (β = − 0.155, 95% CI [− 0.938, − 0.093], p = 0.017), use of assisted reproduction technology (ART) (β = − 0.135, 95% CI [− 2.977, − 0.020], p = 0.047). In contrast, previous live birth was positively associated with life satisfaction (β = 0.134, 95% CI [0.122, 3.739], p = 0.037). In men, we found no significant association of life satisfaction with regret over the delay in childbearing decision and infertility-related factors. Conclusions: Regret over the delay in childbearing decision is negatively associated with life satisfaction among Japanese women seeking fertility treatment. It may be important for women to make better informed decision regarding the timing of childbearing to not regret later in life. Health professionals should address regret over the delay in childbearing decision during fertility treatment and explore ways to spread information on fertility awareness.

Health Related Behaviors and Life Satisfaction in Patients Undergoing Infertility Treatment

“…The study conducted by Adachi et al among 449 Japanese patients seeking fertility treatment showed that the mean score of SWLS for women was significantly lower than that for men (women = 21.2 vs. men = 22.4) [ 49 ]. In another study conducted on infertile women in Iran, results indicated that women undergoing infertility treatments were quite satisfied with their lives (score 21–25) (which corresponds to a value of 6–7 on a sten scale) [ 50 ].…”

Childbearing Perceptions Among Taiwanese Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization Treatment: A Qualitative Study

“…A Japanese study examined the association of life satisfaction with regret over delaying childbearing decisions and infertility-related factors among Japanese women and men seeking fertility treatment. Infertile Japanese women regretted delaying fertility decisions, and this was negatively correlated with life satisfaction (Adachi et al, 2020). G.…”

“…A Japanese study examined the association of life satisfaction with regret over delaying childbearing decisions and infertility-related factors among Japanese women and men seeking fertility treatment. Infertile Japanese women regretted delaying fertility decisions, and this was negatively correlated with life satisfaction (Adachi et al, 2020). G. L. Lee and colleagues (2012) identified four aspects of the symbolic meaning of childbearing of concern to Hong Kong Chinese women receiving IVF treatment: focusing on the sense of self, cultural values, existential purpose, and relationship with others.…”

Married women’s decision to delay childbearing, and loneliness, severe psychological distress, and suicidal ideation under crisis: Online survey data analysis from 2020 and 2021

“…Most previous studies on well-being related to pregnancy focused on infertility; there is consensus that infertility lowers the level of well-being, particularly for women [4][5][6][7] and successful pregnancy leads to an improvement in well-being [8,9]. Some studies focused on people with infertility treatment and revealed that women regret their decision to delay childbearing while they were younger and that it leads to a low level of well-being [10,11]. Cooke et al [10] claim that a complex interplay of factors outside of women's control and/or conscious choice determines childbearing delay.…”

“…Cooke et al [10] claim that a complex interplay of factors outside of women's control and/or conscious choice determines childbearing delay. Furthermore, according to Bunting et al [12], a lack of fertility knowledge, including age-related infertility and risk factors of infertility, contributes to the childbearing delay decision, leading to regret at an older age, to which Japanese women are not an exception [11].…”