Chasing a miracle: why infertile women continue to stay in treatment

This article discusses the reasons infertile couples continue to remain in infertility treatment. Through a qualitative research approach, using eight open-ended questions, the author interviewed a convenience sample of fourteen women in a large Midwestern academic health center reproductive endocrinology group practice, to identify reasons that influenced their decision to stay in treatment. The desire to have one's own children was the motivating force which helped sustain a sense of hope in these women fueled by the advanced technology advocated by their physicians. Support for these women were mostly from spouses and family members with friends with children not being very supportive. The lack of patient education was seen as a very negative influence by most of the participants.