The Psychological Impact of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): A Gender Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE: In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) has revolutionized reproductive medicine, offering hope to individuals and couples facing infertility. However, the psychological impact of IVF varies significantly based on gender, necessitating a systematic review of the existing literature. This review explores the emotional effects of IVF on both men and women, highlighting gender-specific psychological responses throughout the treatment process. METHODS: A systematic literature search using various databases (such as PubMed) was made. Studies published in English from the years 2000 to 2023 were included in the review. RESULTS: A total of 47 studies examined the psychological impact of IVF on both women and men, covering the IVF programming period, the initial stages of IVF treatment, and subsequent stages, as well as the long-term psychological distress effects of IVF in both genders. Both female and male infertile patients are dealing with anxiety, depression and low quality of life. However, women were found to experience higher levels of psychological distress, including increased anxiety and depression symptoms, compared to men at nearly all stages of IVF treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding these gender-specific differences is crucial for developing targeted psychological support interventions to improve mental well-being during IVF treatments.