[Effects of short-term psychotherapy on the success of an in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer program]

A pilot study investigates how the implementation of brief psychotherapy affects the results of an IVF/ET program. A main criterion in therapy is the reduction of the patients' psychic stress who are led to find new problem solutions building upon the abilities and faculties they already show. Emphasis is put on their gaining a cooperative relationship towards their body. Of the 15 patients in this study, 7 became pregnant by IVF after brief psychotherapy, which corresponds to a ratio of 47%. We assume that this is due to a change of attitude towards the desire for pregnancy as well as towards the possible ways of its realization.