Infertility and pregnancy loss

وَلَا يَزَالُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ فِي مِرۡيَةࣲ مِّنۡهُ حَتَّىٰ تَأۡتِيَهُمُ ٱلسَّاعَةُ بَغۡتَةً أَوۡ يَأۡتِيَهُمۡ عَذَابُ يَوۡمٍ عَقِيمٍ

The disbelievers will remain in doubt about it until the Hour suddenly overpowers them or until torment descends on them on a Day devoid of all hope

أَوۡ يُزَوِّجُهُمۡ ذُكۡرَانࣰ ا وَإِنَٰثࣰ اۖ وَيَجۡعَلُ مَن يَشَآءُ عَقِيمًاۚ إِنَّهُۥ عَلِيمࣱ قَدِيرࣱ‏

male to whoever He will, or both male and female, and He makes whoever He will barren: He is all knowing and all powerful

فَأَقۡبَلَتِ ٱمۡرَأَتُهُۥ فِي صَرَّةࣲ فَصَكَّتۡ وَجۡهَهَا وَقَالَتۡ عَجُوزٌ عَقِيمࣱ‏

His wife then entered with a loud cry, struck her face, and said, ‘A barren old woman?’

وَفِي عَادٍ إِذۡ أَرۡسَلۡنَا عَلَيۡهِمُ ٱلرِّيحَ ٱلۡعَقِيمَ

There is another sign in the Ad: We sent the life-destroying wind against them

۞وَعِندَهُۥ مَفَاتِحُ ٱلۡغَيۡبِ لَا يَعۡلَمُهَآ إِلَّا هُوَۚ وَيَعۡلَمُ مَا فِي ٱلۡبَرِّ وَٱلۡبَحۡرِۚ وَمَا تَسۡقُطُ مِن وَرَقَةٍ إِلَّا يَعۡلَمُهَا وَلَا حَبَّةࣲ فِي ظُلُمَٰتِ ٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَلَا رَطۡبࣲ وَلَا يَابِسٍ إِلَّا فِي كِتَٰبࣲ مُّبِينࣲ‏

He has the keys to the unseen: no one knows them but Him. He knows all that is in the land and sea. No leaf falls without His knowledge, nor is there a single grain in the darkness of the earth, or anything, fresh or withered, that is not written in a clear Record

وَلَمَّا سُقِطَ فِيٓ أَيۡدِيهِمۡ وَرَأَوۡاْ أَنَّهُمۡ قَدۡ ضَلُّواْ قَالُواْ لَئِن لَّمۡ يَرۡحَمۡنَا رَبُّنَا وَيَغۡفِرۡ لَنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ ٱلۡخَٰسِرِينَ

When, with much wringing of hands, they perceived that they were doing wrong, they said, ‘If our Lord does not have mercy and forgive us, we shall be the losers.’

And those who disbelieve will not cease to be in doubt of it that is the Qur’ān — because of what Satan had cast onto the tongue of the Prophet s and what had thereafter been nullified — until the Hour comes upon them unawares that is the Hour of their death or of resurrection comes upon them suddenly or there come upon them the chastisement of a day of desolation ‘aqīm namely the day of Badr which held nothing of good for disbelievers much like a sterile wind rīh ‘aqīm that bears no good; or it means the Day of Resurrection referred to as ‘desolate’ because thereafter there will be no more night.

Or He combines them that is to say or He makes them males and females; and He makes whomever He will infertile such that she is unable to conceive or he cannot have a child. Surely He is Knower of what He creates Powerful in bringing about whatever He will.

Then his wife Sarah came forward clamouring shouting fī sarratin is a circumstantial qualifier that is to say she came shouting and smote slapped her face and said ‘A barren old woman!’ who has never given birth to a child aged ninety-nine with Abraham being one hundred years old; or alternatively he was a hundred and twenty years old and she was ninety years old.

And those who disbelieved, will not cease to be in doubt about it until the Hour comes suddenly upon them, or there comes to them the torment of Yawm 'Aqim (55)The sovereignty on that Day will be that of Allah. He will judge between them. So those who believed and did righteous good deeds will be in Gardens of Delight (56)And those who disbelieved and denied Our Ayat, for them will be a humiliating torment (in Hell)(57) The Disbelievers will remain in Doubt and Confusion Allah tells us that the disbelievers will remain in doubt concerning this Qur'an. This was the view of Ibn Jurayj and was the view favored by Ibn Jarir. حَتَّىٰ تَأْتِيَهُمُ السَّاعَةُ بَغْتَةً (until the Hour comes suddenly upon them,) Mujahid said: "By surprise." Qatadah said: بَغْتَةً (suddenly) means, the command of Allah will catch the people unaware. Allah never seizes a people except when they are intoxicate

To Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. He creates what He wills. He bestows female upon whom He wills, and bestows male upon whom He wills (49)Or He bestows both males and females, and He renders barren whom He wills. Verily, He is the All-Knower and is Able (to do all things)(50) Allah tells us that He is the Creator, Sovereign and Controller of the heavens and the earth. Whatever he wills happens, and whatever He does not will does not happen. He gives to whomsoever He wills and withholds from whomsoever he wills; none can withhold what He gives, and none can give what He withholds, and He creates whatever He wills. يَهَبُ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ إِنَاثًا (He bestows female upon whom He wills.) means, He gives them daughters only. Al-Baghawi said, "And among them (those who were given daughters only) was Lut, peace be upon him." وَيَهَبُ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ الذُّكُورَ (and b

Has the story reached you, of the honored guests of Ibrahim (24)When they came in to him and said: "Salaman!" He answered: "Salamun" and said: "You are a people unknown to me. (25)Then he turned to his household, and brought out a roasted calf (26)And placed it before them (saying): "Will you not eat? (27)Then he conceived fear of them (when they ate not). They said: "Fear not." And they gave him glad tidings of a son having knowledge (28)Then his wife came forward with a loud voice; she smote her face, and said: "A barren old woman! (29)They said: "Even so says your Lord. Verily, He is the All-Wise, the All-Knower. (30) The Guests of the Prophet Ibrahim We mentioned this story before in Surah Hud and Al-Hijr. Allah said, هَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ ضَيْفِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ الْمُكْرَمِينَ (Has the story reached you, of the honored guests of Ibrahim), whom Ibrahim honored and who, فَقَالُوا سَلَ

حَدَّثَنَا مَحْمُودُ بْنُ غَيْلاَنَ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو أَحْمَدَ الزُّبَيْرِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ عُمَارَةَ بْنِ عُمَيْرٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ يَزِيدَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ مَسْعُودٍ، قَالَ خَرَجْنَا مَعَ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَنَحْنُ شَبَابٌ لاَ نَقْدِرُ عَلَى شَيْءٍ فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ يَا مَعْشَرَ الشَّبَابِ عَلَيْكُمْ بِالْبَاءَةِ فَإِنَّهُ أَغَضُّ لِلْبَصَرِ وَأَحْصَنُ لِلْفَرْجِ فَمَنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ مِنْكُمُ الْبَاءَةَ فَعَلَيْهِ بِالصَّوْمِ فَإِنَّ الصَّوْمَ لَهُ وِجَاءٌ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ ‏.‏ حَدَّثَنَا الْحَسَنُ بْنُ عَلِيٍّ الْخَلاَّلُ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ نُمَيْرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا الأَعْمَشُ، عَنْ عُمَارَةَ، نَحْوَهُ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى وَقَدْ رَوَى غَيْرُ، وَاحِدٍ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، بِهَذَا الإِسْنَادِ مِثْلَ هَذَا ‏.‏ وَرَوَى أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، وَالْمُحَارِبِيُّ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، عَنْ عَلْقَمَةَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم نَحْوَهُ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى كِلاَهُمَا صَحِيحٌ ‏.‏

Abdullah bin Mas'ud narrated:"We went with Allah's Messenger, while we were young men who had nothing. He said: 'O young men! You should marry, for indeed it helps in lowering the gaze and protecting the private parts. Whoever among you is not able to marry, then let him fast, for indeed fasting will diminish his sexual desire

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو هِشَامٍ الرِّفَاعِيُّ، وَزَيْدُ بْنُ أَخْزَمَ الطَّائِيُّ، وَإِسْحَاقُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ الْبَصْرِيُّ، قَالُوا حَدَّثَنَا مُعَاذُ بْنُ هِشَامٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنِ الْحَسَنِ، عَنْ سَمُرَةَ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم نَهَى عَنِ التَّبَتُّلِ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى وَزَادَ زَيْدُ بْنُ أَخْزَمَ فِي حَدِيثِهِ وَقَرَأَ قَتَادَةُ ‏:‏ ‏(‏ولقدْ أَرْسَلْنا رُسُلاً مِنْ قَبْلِكَ وَجَعَلْنَا لَهُمْ أَزْوَاجًا وَذُرِّيَّةً ‏)‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنْ سَعْدٍ وَأَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ وَعَائِشَةَ وَابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى حَدِيثُ سَمُرَةَ حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ غَرِيبٌ ‏.‏ وَرَوَى الأَشْعَثُ بْنُ عَبْدِ الْمَلِكِ هَذَا الْحَدِيثَ عَنِ الْحَسَنِ عَنْ سَعْدِ بْنِ هِشَامٍ عَنْ عَائِشَةَ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم نَحْوَهُ ‏.‏ وَيُقَالُ كِلاَ الْحَدِيثَيْنِ صَحِيحٌ ‏.‏

Qatadah narrated from Al-Hasan, from Samurah that:The Prophet prohibited celibacy

وَحَدَّثَنَاهُ قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْعَزِيزِ يَعْنِي الدَّرَاوَرْدِيَّ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ حَدَّثَنَا خَالِدُ بْنُ مَخْلَدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا سُلَيْمَانُ بْنُ بِلاَلٍ، جَمِيعًا بِهَذَا الإِسْنَادِ ‏.‏

This hadith has been narrated by Sulaiman b. Bilal with the same chain of transmitters

وَحَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرٍ، وَعُثْمَانُ، ابْنَا أَبِي شَيْبَةَ ح وَحَدَّثَنِي عَمْرٌو النَّاقِدُ، قَالُوا جَمِيعًا حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو خَالِدٍ الأَحْمَرُ، عَنْ يَزِيدَ بْنِ كَيْسَانَ، عَنْ أَبِي حَازِمٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ لَقِّنُوا مَوْتَاكُمْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:Exhort to recite" There is no god but Allah" to those of you who are dying

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بِشْرٍ، بَكْرُ بْنُ خَلَفٍ وَمُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بَشَّارٍ قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْحَمِيدِ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ حَكِيمِ بْنِ أَفْلَحَ، عَنْ أَبِي مَسْعُودٍ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ قَالَ ‏ "‏ لِلْمُسْلِمِ عَلَى الْمُسْلِمِ أَرْبَعُ خِلاَلٍ يُشَمِّتُهُ إِذَا عَطَسَ وَيُجِيبُهُ إِذَا دَعَاهُ وَيَشْهَدُهُ إِذَا مَاتَ وَيَعُودُهُ إِذَا مَرِضَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

It was narrated from Abu Mas’ud that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:“The Muslim has four things due from the Muslim: He should answer [by saying Yarhamuk-Allah (may Allah have mercy on you)] to him if he sneezes (and says Al-Hamdulillah); he should accept his invitation if he invites him; he should attend his funeral if he dies; and he should visit him if he falls sick.”

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بِشْرٍ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو، عَنْ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏ "‏ خَمْسٌ مِنْ حَقِّ الْمُسْلِمِ عَلَى الْمُسْلِمِ رَدُّ التَّحِيَّةِ وَإِجَابَةُ الدَّعْوَةِ وَشُهُودُ الْجِنَازَةِ وَعِيَادَةُ الْمَرِيضِ وَتَشْمِيتُ الْعَاطِسِ إِذَا حَمِدَ اللَّهَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:“Five are the rights of the Muslim: Returning his greeting, accepting his invitation; attending his funeral; visiting the sick; and answering (saying Yarhamuk-Allah) to the one who sneezes, if he praises Allah (says Al-Hamdu Lillah).”

وقال سري السقطى : من ادعى باطن علم ينقضه ظاهر حكم فهو غالط

وقال بشر ما سألت أحدا قط شيئا إلا سريا السقطى لأنه قد صح عندي زهده في الدنيا فهو يفرح بخروج الشيء من يده ويتبرم ببقائه عنده فأكون عونا له على ما يحب

وقال سرى السقطي رحمه الله آه على لقمة ليس على الله فيها تبعة ولا لمخلوق فيها منة

فيكره ذلك والسقط ينبغي أن يسمى

وكان سرى السقطي يقول للصوفية إذا خرج الشتاء فقد خرج أذار وأورقت الأشجار وطاب الإنتشار فانتشروا

وقال السري السقطي: إنى لأنظر كل يوم إلى أنفى مخافة أن يكون قد اسود وجهي.

A randomized clinical trial to determine optimal infertility treatment in older couples: the Forty and Over Treatment Trial (FORT-T).: Objective: To determine the optimal infertility therapy for women at the end of their reproductive potential. Design: Randomized clinical trial. Setting: Academic medical centers and private infertility center in a state with mandated insurance coverage. Patient(s): Couples with ≥ 6 months of unexplained infertility; female partner aged 38-42 years. Intervention(s): Randomized to treatment with two cycles of clomiphene citrate (CC) and intrauterine insemination (IUI), follicle stimulating hormon

The clinical effectiveness of the Mind/Body Program for Infertility on wellbeing and assisted reproduction outcomes: a randomized controlled trial in search for active ingredients.: Study question: Does the Mind/Body Program for Infertility (MBPI) perform better, due to certain distinctive elements, than a partly matched support group in improving the wellbeing and medically assisted reproduction (MAR) outcomes of women with elevated distress levels in a clinical setting? Summary answer: While robust enhancements occurred in the wellbeing overall, the cognitive behavioural and formalized stress management elements of the MBPI allowed a significantly stronger improvement in

Men's grief following pregnancy loss and neonatal loss: a systematic review and emerging theoretical model.: Background: Emotional distress following pregnancy loss and neonatal loss is common, with enduring grief occurring for many parents. However, little is known about men's grief, since the majority of existing literature and subsequent bereavement care guidelines have focused on women. To develop a comprehensive understanding of men's grief, this systematic review sought to summarise and appraise the literature focusing on men's grief following pregnancy loss and neonatal loss. Methods: A systemat

The effects of psychosocial interventions on the mental health, pregnancy rates, and marital function of infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review.: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of psychosocial interventions on the mental health, pregnancy rates, and marital function of infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), as determined through RCT studies. Methods: Using the electronic databases PubMed, EMBase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and CAJ, a systematic literature search was conducted in July 2015. MeSH terms, key words, and free words such as "infertility," "fertilization in vitro," "psy

Stress, distress and outcome of assisted reproductive technology (ART): a meta-analysis.: Background: A number of studies have investigated the relationship between psychological factors such as stress and distress (measured as anxiety and depression) and outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The results, however, are inconsistent, and the strength of any associations remains to be clarified. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the results of studies reporting on the associations between stress, anxiety, and depression and ART outcomes. Methods: Prospe

The impact of occupational shift work and working hours during pregnancy on health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.: Backgroud: An increasing number of original studies suggest that exposure to shift work and long working hours during pregnancy could be associated with the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, but the results remain conflicting and inconclusive. Objective: To examine the influences of shift work and longer working hours during pregnancy on maternal and fetal health outcomes. Data sources: Five electronic databases and 3 gray literature sources were searched up to March 15, 2019. Methods of study

What clinicians miss about miscarriages: Clinical errors in the treatment of early term perinatal loss.

In this article, clinical errors in the treatment of perinatal grief after a miscarriage are discussed, including (a) minimizing or avoiding painful affects related to the miscarriage, (b) assuming grief is resolved upon a subsequent healthy pregnancy, and (c) neglecting early unresolved losses that are reawakened by the loss of the pregnancy. It is argued that these unintentional errors, frequently committed by significant others in the patient's life, are similarly made by well-intentioned clinicians due to a lack of knowledge about the psychological impact of miscarriage and, moreover, an unconscious avoidance of such a common yet distressing loss. Background information relevant to each clinical error is briefly reviewed, followed by recommendations for a better approach to the situation and verbatim clinical exchanges. The author suggests that, in general, a better approach to treat…

matched on Abortion, Spontaneous (mesh), miscarriage (text)

Barriers beyond biology: The socioeconomic and cultural determinants of infertility treatment-seeking behaviour - A systematic review.

Infertility affects both men and women and is recognized as a significant global health concern. It remains highly stigmatized and often disproportionately attributed to women in low- and middle-income countries such as India. To systematically review and synthesize evidence on the influence of cultural and socioeconomic factors on infertility treatment-seeking behavior across diverse populations. This review followed PRISMA guidelines. Conducted Comprehensive database searches and included studies published between January 2018 and April 2025. 21 studies met the inclusion criteria. Financial constraints, absence of health insurance, low fertility literacy, and social stigma emerged as consistent barriers, particularly for women in rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged settings. Cultural beliefs often led couples to seek traditional or religious healing prior to biomedical interventi…

matched on Infertility (keyword), infertility (text)

The effect of e-health interventions on meeting the needs of individuals with infertility: a narrative review.

Background: The mental health and well-being of millions of people worldwide are negatively impacted by infertility. A promising solution to meet the needs of people suffering from infertility is e-health interventions, such as online counseling and support groups. This study aims to review the current literature on e-health interventions and how they impact people with infertility. Main body of the abstract: Relevant studies were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Articles were entered into the EndNote software and screened for duplicates and relevance. Two authors then reviewed full-text articles independently, with a third person resolving any disagreements. Thirteen studies conducted between 2007 and 2022 were identified. The interventions aimed to meet various needs, including training on drug use (n = 23), lifestyle modifications (n = 1), periconceptional beh…

matched on Infertility (keyword), infertility (text)

The impact of stigma on mental health and quality of life of infertile women: A systematic review.

Introduction: The stigma of not giving birth to children affects approximately 53. 08~64% of female infertility patients worldwide. This stigma not only causes harm to the mental health of these infertility patients, but also affects their quality of life, making them bear the adverse social consequences such as domestic violence, marriage breakdown, or even delay in receiving the treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of the patients' stigma and effective intervention in alleviating it. Aims/question: This study aims to discuss and summarize the stigma in infertile women and its impact on patients, and to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment and nursing intervention of disease stigma in infertile female patients. Methods: The literature search used four English databases (Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PubMed) and two Chinese da…

matched on Infertility (keyword), infertility (text)

Impact of Various Parameters as Predictors of The Success Rate of In Vitro Fertilization.

A woman who is infertile is defined as a woman who is unable to conceive after having unprotected sex for more than one year. 20-25% of couples worldwide suffer from infertility each year (60 to 80 million couples). In vitro fertilization (IVF) plays a significant role in the treatment of various types of infertility, including fallopian tube defects, endometriosis, immunity, and male causes. IVF is a complex procedure that can be used to aid fertility or prevent genetic problems in the fetus. The objective of this review is to investigate factors that affect IVF failure and success rates. Need for this review is predicated on the different results obtained from previous studies, the high prevalence of infertility, and the lack of a similar study in this field. Articles were regarded as suitable if they evaluated the association between any factor and IVF outcome. A comprehensive search …

matched on Infertility (keyword), infertility (text)

Male Sexual Dysfunctions in the Infertile Couple-Recommendations From the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM).

Introduction: Sexual dysfunctions (SDs) have been frequently reported among male partners of infertile couples due to psychogenic, relational and/or organic issues related with the inability to conceive. Likewise, male infertility (MI) could be a consequence of sexual dysfunctions. Aim: To review the evidence on the prevalence and treatment of male SDs in men of infertile couples and provide clinical recommendations on behalf of the European Society of Sexual Medicine (ESSM). Methods: The MEDLINE database was searched in September 2019 for randomized clinical trials (RCTs), meta-analyses and open-label prospective or retrospective studies investigating the presence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and/or ejaculatory dysfunctions (EjDs) and/or low sexual desire (LSD) in conjunction with infertility. Main outcome measure: The panel provided statements on: (i) Prevalence and association between…

matched on Infertility (keyword), infertility (text)

The complex relationship between infertility and psychological distress (Review).

Infertility is defined as the inability to procreate, or carry or deliver a baby naturally. The majority of specialists describe infertility as being unable to get pregnant after having tried for at least one year. The relationship between infertility and psychological stress is complex. On the one hand, infertile couples are subject to greater stress and have a greater risk of developing psychological disorders compared with normal, healthy couples. On the other hand, high levels of psychological distress have been indicated to increase infertility. Therefore, in the present review, the main factors that may lead to increased stress in couples who try to conceive, psychological stress as the reason for infertility, and the therapies that can help decrease psychological distress and increase chances of pregnancy are underlined. In addition to the psychological side effects that may occur…

matched on Infertility (keyword), infertility (text)

The association of cognitive representations with psychological adjustment in experience of infertility and fertility treatment: A systematic review.

Introduction: The aim of this systematic review was to examine studies describing the association of cognitive representations with psychological adjustment or maladjustment during the experience of infertility and its treatment in light of the Common-Sense Model. According to this theoretical model cognitive perceptions about an illness can be associated with emotional adaptation. Methods: A systematic search of four electronic databases (PubMed, APA PsycINFO, SCOPUS, ScienceDirect) was performed. This review considered only quantitative, primary studies in the English language without geographical limitations, published during the period 1996-2020 and relevant to the objective. The population of interest was infertile individuals who are having or not having infertility treatment. Only studies that examined the association between independent variables, such as perceived causes, timeli…

matched on Infertility (keyword), infertility (text)

The preconception environment and sperm epigenetics.

Background: Infertility is a common reproductive disorder, with male factor infertility accounting for approximately half of all cases. Taking a paternal perceptive, recent research has shown that sperm epigenetics, such as changes in DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin structure, and noncoding RNA expression, can impact reproductive and offspring health. Importantly, environmental conditions during the preconception period has been demonstrated to shape sperm epigenetics. Objectives: To provide an overview on epigenetic modifications that regulate normal gene expression and epigenetic remodeling that occurs during spermatogenesis, and to discuss the epigenetic alterations that may occur to the paternal germline as a consequence of preconception environmental conditions and exposures. Materials and methods: We examined published literature available on databases (PubMed, Goo…

matched on Infertility, Male (mesh), infertility (text), Fertility (keyword)

Application of Mindfulness-Based Psychological Interventions in Infertility.

Living mindfully helps one gain a deeper understanding into realities of life. It enables people to witness suffering, desire, attachments, and impermanence without any fear, anxiety, anger, or despair. This is considered the hallmark of true psychological insight. As a skill, mindfulness can be inculcated by anyone. Mindfulness helps in attending, getting aware and understanding experiences in a compassion and open-minded way. Research suggests that applying mindfulness in daily life has been known to tame our emotional mind and enabled people to perceive things "as they are" without ascribing expectations, judgments, cynicism, or apprehensions to them. This review unravels the therapeutic power of mindfulness meditation in the context of infertility distress. It serves to integrate the evidence on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based psychological interventions to improve the emotion…

matched on Infertility (keyword), infertility (text)

Effect of Yoga on Psychological Distress among Women Receiving Treatment for Infertility.

Background: Infertility among women has been associated with significant psychological distress, anxiety, and depression. yoga therapy has been found to be useful in the management of anxiety, depression and psychological distress. Aim: To review studies on the effectiveness of yoga in reducing psychological distress and improving clinical outcomes among women receiving treatment for infertility. Methodology: PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies using the following inclusion criteria: studies published in English, those published between 2000 and 2018, published in peer-reviewed journals, and those with Yoga as an intervention. Review articles, studies without any yoga interventions for infertility, and male infertility were excluded. The keywords included for the literature search were: Yoga, Mindfulness, Relaxation technique, Stress, Distress, A…

matched on Infertility (keyword), infertility (text)

The psychological importance of fertility preservation counseling and support for cancer patients.

Infertility associated with cancer can have significant psychological impacts for cancer patients and survivors, necessitating appropriate fertility-related psychological support. This literature review details the psychological impact of infertility in cancer patients and survivors, and discusses fertility counseling as described in current international guidelines; as either the provision of fertility information or psychosocial support. Fertility counseling has a role in assisting with fertility treatment decision-making, but also in supporting patients with the emotional distress associated with potential infertility at the time of cancer diagnosis, and infertility in survivorship. The necessity of psychological support for fertility patients is outlined, alongside recommendations for adolescent and young adult patients, and family members of cancer patients involved in fertility and…

matched on Infertility (keyword), infertility (text)

"In Cycles of Dreams, Despair, and Desperation:" Research Perspectives on Infertility Specific Distress in Patients Undergoing Fertility Treatments.

"Emotional distress in infertility" is a broad expression that loosely denotes anxiety, depression, grief, crisis, depleting psychological well-being, and all forms of affective and interpersonal disturbances faced by individuals with infertility. The distress is usually associated with involuntary childlessness as it is an unwelcoming event. The developmental crisis associated with childlessness poses a threat to one's sense of self at all levels (individual, family and social). Distress may begin before or during treatments as a person experiences the loss of control over attaining parenthood, anxiety or dejection after the diagnosis, treatments, its complications particularly its limited success rates. This paper reviews the basic concepts, theoretical models related to infertility specific distress (ISD). It elaborates on the effects of individual and treatment-specific variables on …

matched on Infertility (keyword), infertility (text)

Counseling-supportive interventions to decrease infertile women's perceived stress: A systematic review.

Background: Infertility all around the world and in every culture is recognized as a stressful and critical experience that threatens individual, familial, marital, and social stability. Thus, in accordance with the importance of a woman's mental health and the possible impact of mental health on treatment outcome, finding a way to deal with perceived stress in women can help improve pregnancy outcomes. Methods: This study is a systematic review on reducing perceived infertility stress in infertile women. The current study was undertaken using multiple databases such as SID, Irandoc, Magi ran, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Cochrane library, and CINAHL selected from articles pertinent to the study. The selection of papers was undertaken from 1990 through May 2016. The methodological quality was assessed. Results: The initial search yielded a list of 725 papers, and then …

matched on Infertility (keyword), infertility (text)

Premature ovarian failure.

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is the term usually used to describe women aged younger than 40 years, who present with amenorrhoea, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, and infertility. POF is a devastating diagnosis for reproductive-aged women. The clinical presentation is diverse, and several different disorders can lead to premature ovarian failure. POF has serious health consequences, including psychological distress, infertility, osteoporosis, autoimmune disorders, ischaemic heart disease, and increased risk of mortality. Hashimoto's disease is the most frequent autoimmune disorder associated with premature ovarian failure. Management should be initiated immediately to prevent long-term consequences. Oestrogen therapy is the mainstay of management. Hormone therapy should be provided to eliminate symptoms of oestrogen deficiency.

matched on Infertility (keyword), infertility (text)

Weight Loss and Improvement in Comorbidity: Differences at 5%, 10%, 15%, and Over.

Purpose of review: One begins to see improvement in glycemic measures and triglycerides with small amounts of weight loss, but with greater levels of weight loss there is even greater improvement. In fact, the relationship between weight loss and glycemia is one that is very close. Recent findings: This is fortunate for diabetes prevention; it takes only small amounts of weight loss to prevent progression to type 2 diabetes from impaired glucose tolerance, and after the 10 kg of weight loss, one cannot demonstrate much additional improvement in risk reduction. Modest weight loss (5 to 10%) is also associated with improvement in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and HDL cholesterol. With all these risk factors, more weight loss produces more improvement. Further, for patients with higher BMI levels (>40 kg/m2), the ability to lose the same proportion of weight with lifestyle intervent…

matched on Infertility (keyword), infertility (text)

Pseudocyesis, delusional pregnancy, and psychosis: The birth of a delusion.

Both pseudocyesis and delusional pregnancy are said to be rare syndromes, but are reported frequently in developing countries. A distinction has been made between the two syndromes, but the line of demarcation is blurred. The aim of this paper is to review recent cases of pseudocyesis/delusional pregnancy in order to learn more about biopsychosocial antecedents. The recent world literature (2000-2014) on this subject (women only) was reviewed, making no distinction between pseudocyesis and delusional pregnancy. Eighty case histories were found, most of them originating in developing countries. Fifty patients had been given a diagnosis of psychosis, although criteria for making the diagnosis were not always clear. The psychological antecedents included ambivalence about pregnancy, relationship issues, and loss. Very frequently, pseudocyesis/delusional pregnancy occurred when a married cou…

matched on Infertility (keyword), infertility (text)

The effect of psychological distress on IVF outcomes: Reality or speculations?

Introduction: Infertility is a problem that affects millions of people worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of stress, depression and anxiety on the IVF outcomes in Kazakhstan. Methods: The prospective cohort study was performed using questionnaires to assess psychological distress in 304 infertile female in three different cities in Kazakhstan. Results: The average age of participants was 33.7 years with infertility duration of 5.9 years. Regarding stress, depression and anxiety we found that more than 80% of all respondents had CES-D score higher than 16, indicating that they are at risk of developing clinical depression. On average, FPI subscales' scores, global stress score and anxiety scale (STAI-S and STAI-T) scores were statistically significantly higher among not pregnant women than pregnant women. Similarly, in simple logistic regression analysis all FPI sub…

matched on Fertilization in Vitro (mesh), Infertility, Female (mesh), Pregnancy Rate (mesh), infertility (text)

Utilization and success rates of unstimulated in vitro fertilization in the United States: an analysis of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology database.

Objective: To examine the utilization and outcomes of natural cycle (unstimulated) IVF as reported to the Society of Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) in 2006 and 2007. Design: Retrospective analysis. Setting: Dataset analysis from the SART Clinical Outcome Reporting System national database. Patient(s): All patients undergoing IVF as reported to SART in 2006 and 2007. Intervention(s): None. Main outcome measure(s): Utilization of unstimulated IVF; description of patient demographics; and comparison of implantation and pregnancy rates between unstimulated and stimulated IVF cycles. Result(s): During 2006 and 2007 a total of 795 unstimulated IVF cycles were initiated. Success rates were age dependent, with patients <35 years of age demonstrating clinical pregnancy rates per cycle start, retrieval, and transfer of 19.2%, 26.8%, and 35.9%, respectively. Implantation rates were statist…

matched on Fertilization in Vitro (mesh), Pregnancy Rate (mesh), Reproductive Techniques, Assisted (mesh), infertility (text)

Tissue Engineering in Gynecology.

Female gynecological organ dysfunction can cause infertility and psychological distress, decreasing the quality of life of affected women. Incidence is constantly increasing due to growing rates of cancer and increase of childbearing age in the developed world. Current treatments are often unable to restore organ function, and occasionally are the cause of female infertility. Alternative treatment options are currently being developed in order to face the inadequacy of current practices. In this review, pathologies and current treatments of gynecological organs (ovaries, uterus, and vagina) are described. State-of-the-art of tissue engineering alternatives to common practices are evaluated with a focus on in vivo models. Tissue engineering is an ever-expanding field, integrating various domains of modern science to create sophisticated tissue substitutes in the hope of repairing or repla…

matched on Infertility, Female (mesh), infertility (text)

Mood and sexual function in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) fail to conform with societal norms for outer appearance. Many PCOS patients thus feel stigmatized in the sense of a loss of "feminine identity." In addition to somatic impairment, mood disturbances such as depression and limitations in emotional well-being, quality of life, and life satisfaction, the diagnosis of PCOS also has a negative impact on sexual self-worth and sexual satisfaction. Both obesity and hirsutism are major determinants of the physical component of quality of life in affected women. However, its psychological aspect appears to be inherent and specific for PCOS. Confirmation of the diagnosis and provision of detailed information to affected women, together with the availability of interdisciplinary treatment aimed at improving PCOS-related symptoms, such as hirsutism, obesity, menstrual irregularity, and infertility, will als…

matched on Infertility, Female (mesh), infertility (text)

Psychological impact of infertility.

The inability to conceive children is experienced as a stressful situation by individuals and couples all around the world. The consequences of infertility are manifold and can include societal repercussions and personal suffering. Advances in assisted reproductive technologies, such as IVF, can offer hope to many couples where treatment is available, although barriers exist in terms of medical coverage and affordability. The medicalization of infertility has unwittingly led to a disregard for the emotional responses that couples experience, which include distress, loss of control, stigmatization, and a disruption in the developmental trajectory of adulthood. Evidence is emerging of an association between stress of fertility treatment and patient drop-out and pregnancy rates. Fortunately, psychological interventions, especially those emphasizing stress management and coping-skills traini…

matched on Infertility, Female (mesh), infertility (text)

The impact of obesity on reproduction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of infertility due to anovulation in women. The clinical features of PCOS are heterogeneous and may change throughout the lifespan, starting from adolescence to postmenopausal age. This is largely dependent on the influence of obesity and metabolic alterations, including an insulin-resistant state and the metabolic syndrome, which consistently affect most women with PCOS. Obesity does in fact have profound effects on both the pathophysiology and the clinical manifestation of PCOS, by different mechanisms leading to androgen excess and increased free androgen availability and to alterations of granulosa cell function and follicle development. Notably, simple obesity per se represents a functional hyperandrogenic state. These mechanisms involve early hormonal and metabolic factors during intrauterine life, leptin, insuli…

matched on Infertility, Female (mesh), infertility (text)

Emotional Effect of the Loss of One or Both Fetuses in a Monochorionic Twin Pregnancy.

Objective: To examine the psychological effect on women of the loss of one or both fetuses during a monochorionic twin pregnancy and to identify associated protective and risk factors. Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational study. Setting: Maternity unit of the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona, Spain. Participants: Twenty-eight White Spanish women who lost one or both fetuses during a monochorionic twin pregnancy. Methods: In an individual interview with each participant, we collected sociodemographic information, psychiatric history, and clinical data regarding the pregnancy. Participants also completed the following questionnaires: Spanish Short Version of the Perinatal Grief Scale, Impact of Event Scale-Revised, Beck Depression Inventory, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results: Greater levels of grief after fetal loss during a monochorionic twin preg…

matched on Abortion, Spontaneous (mesh), Stillbirth (keyword), miscarriage (text)

Women's experiences of psychological care following early pregnancy loss: a scoping review and thematic synthesis.

Background: Miscarriage is a traumatic event for women and their families. Australian healthcare is fragmented, with evidence that healthcare approaches may adversely impact women's care during a miscarriage. There is limited evidence that describes women's psychological needs to support post-miscarriage recovery. Aim: The aim of this review was to explore the reported psychological support needs of women receiving care after miscarriage in Australia, as understood through their experiences of health care provision. Methods: Five databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed) were searched in January 2024 for key terms related to women's experiences of psychological follow-up post-miscarriage in Australia. The review followed the JBI framework and was reported in line with PRISMA-ScR. Results: Of 101 articles retrieved, 28 duplicates were removed. Seventy-three were screened…

matched on miscarriage (text), pregnancy loss (text)