Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 24, 2025

Fertility Preservation in Patients with Severe Ovarian Dysfunction
Published on: March 25, 2021
Trying for a second chance: Iranian infertile couples' experiences after failed ART
Samira Ebrahimzadeh Zagami1, Robab Latifnejad Roudsari1, Roksana Janghorban2
1Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Introduction:
Despite significant advances, only 35% infertile couples conceive after ART. If IVF is unsuccessful, couples will need to decide whether to proceed again with assisted conception. The aim of this study was to explore Iranian infertile couples' experiences after failed ART to continue treatment.
Methods:
In this qualitative study participants were selected using purposeful sampling method. Data were collected using 29 semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interviews at a regional Infertility Center from April 2016 to June 2017. All interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed with conventional content analysis method using MAXQDA software.
Results:
Our findings suggest that couples' decisions to continue treatment after unsuccessful ART is shaped by their social, emotional and financial circumstances. We have constructed two themes to describe their experiences: support to continue and trying for a second chance.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that good marital and family support networks can support infertile couples during this period of decision making. Considering the depression and anxiety caused by failed ARTs, which itself could affect the success rate of any further ARTs, the clinical team should effectively assess psychological readiness of couples who decide to continue with another ART after unsuccessful treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Infertility in Males
Infertility in Females
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by abnormal growth of...
In Vitro Fertilization
The IVF process begins with ovarian stimulation, during which reproductive endocrinologists prescribe hormonal medications to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs instead of the single...
Meiosis II
Spermatogenesis
Fertilization

