Unsuccessful in vitro fertilization: a follow-up study

Results from a follow-up questionnaire completed by 28 women who had unsuccessfully completed one or more trials of in vitro fertilization (IVF) are reported. The mean time lapse since completing IVF was 8.4 months. During that period, 33% of the respondents had applied for adoption and 11% had secured an adoptive child. More than half the respondents had abandoned biological attempts to conceive and 52% felt as though they had "resolved" the infertility crisis. Nevertheless, 93% of the respondents indicated that they would participate in any new reproductive options that would enhance the likelihood of a biological pregnancy! The results and implications of this study are discussed.