The Hidden Link Between Emotional Wellbeing and IVF Success
Infertility is often described as a rollercoaster, and for good reason. The emotional highs and lows of fertility treatment can be just as intense as the physical demands. Research continues to show that emotional distress plays a major role in whether people continue or stop treatment, sometimes even more than financial or medical factors.
Research shows that over half of women and one-third of men undergoing IVF experience clinical levels of depression or anxiety.
For some, these feelings become overwhelming and lead to hopelessness or withdrawal from care. This emotional strain isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a completely normal response to the uncertainty and repeated disappointments that can come with infertility.
Why do some people stop IVF early?
Even when IVF is financially supported or fully insured, many people stop treatment before completing their recommended cycles. The most common reasons aren’t medical but psychological. Stress, low mood, anxiety, and relationship strain can become overwhelming. Long treatment durations and limited social support can lead to a loss of hope, making it hard to continue. Studies have shown that these factors, not the cost or logistics, are the main drivers behind early discontinuation.
Simply put, people don’t give up on treatment because they stop wanting a baby. They stop because the process becomes too emotionally heavy to carry alone.
How Psychological Support Makes a Difference
Studies show that when patients receive emotional or psychological support during IVF, their outcomes improve in meaningful ways.
Interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mind–body programs (which often include relaxation, mindfulness, and stress-management tools) have been shown to:
Reduce anxiety and depression
Improve overall quality of life
In some cases, increase pregnancy rates
Longer and more structured programs tend to provide the strongest benefits. However, even short interventions such as an online mindfulness course or guided self-help program can help ease distress and improve quality of life.
Emerging research suggests that psychological care doesn’t just make patients feel better but can also help them stay in treatment longer.
One study found that sending patients a simple packet of coping and relaxation strategies before starting IVF reduced treatment dropouts by 67%. Another discovered that a compassionate follow-up email increased the likelihood of returning to care by almost 10%.
These findings show that empathy, encouragement, and access to psychological care aren’t just pleasant add-ons but absolutely essential parts of fertility treatment success.
The Takeaway
Fertility treatment isn’t only a medical process, it’s a highly emotional one. At Lotus Health and Psychology, our psychologists understand the unique emotional challenges of fertility, pregnancy, and women’s health.
Whether you’re just starting treatment, coping with disappointment, or trying to regain hope after a setback, we can help you manage distress and stay emotionally grounded. We’re here to support and empower you on your path to parenthood with evidence-based care for both mind and body, tailored to your unique journey.
Source:
This article is based on findings from Awtrey, S., & Domar, A. D. (2025). Patient distress and its negative impact on treatment continuation: do psychological interventions have a significant impact? Human Reproduction, 40(10), 1824–1828. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deaf162