Lived experience of infertility and in vitro fertilisation treatment

Infertility is a medical and psychosocial problem that affects one in six couples worldwide. Infertility is increasing largely due to people starting families later, a decrease in the quality of sperm due to environmental and lifestyle factors and rising rates of obesity in both men and women. As a result, general practitioners (GPs) are increasingly seeing patients for fertility-related consultations. Nearly half of these GP consultations will result in a referral to a fertility clinic or relevant specialist. Approximately 5% of children now born in Australia are born as a result of assisted reproductive treatment.

In Australia, GPs are the primary access point for reproductive care. They can play a central role in educating, preparing and supporting their patients and ensuring timely and appropriate intervention and referral. This paper describes the lived experience of those dealing with infertility, particularly the emotional challenges of infertility and its treatment, to help GPs support their patients throughout treatment and beyond.

Infertility and fertility treatment can have a significant impact on the psychological wellbeing of both men and women, as well as their relationships with one another, their family and friends. GPs are well placed to establish a trusting and supportive relationship during one of the most stressful periods of their patients' lives, to notice changes in wellbeing, functioning and relationship satisfaction and to facilitate timely referral to appropriate resources.