The gap in fertility care

Patients undergoing treatment for infertility experience higher levels of psychological distress than the general population. Current research suggests that the increased stress, anxiety and depression levels in these individuals may be affecting their emotional well-being, treatment drop-out rates and clinical outcomes. To mitigate the effects of mental health symptoms for fertility patients, psychological interventions should be considered a vital part of fertility care. Treatments such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, the Mind-Body Program for Infertility and virtual mental health services have all been integrated into fertility care with success in relieving distress and improving clinical outcomes. Many barriers to accessing mental health treatment exist in the fertility space, such as inadequate communication of available services, a lack of mental health professionals trained in reproductive medicine, cost and stigma. Reproductive care providers should be aware of the risk factors that may increase a patient's need for psychological intervention and choose options that best support both their patient population and clinic staff when selecting what mental health services to provide.