Education of Stress Management During Infertility

Abstract

Infertility affects 10% of women in the United States, making it an extremely common problem. Rates of anxiety and depression are found to be much higher in women dealing with infertility. Despite this education concerning stress, infertility, and stress reduction techniques are lacking in availability. The purpose of this project is to educate women dealing with infertility about the link between stress and infertility, as well as stress reduction techniques and intent to implement stress management techniques. Recruitment took place in Facebook infertility support group with women ages 18-50. They completed surveys in the RedCap system before and after viewing education materials in the form of a brochure and video explanation of the brochure. Educational materials including information about the relationship between stress and infertility, as well as specific examples of stress reduction techniques. Overall participants reported a minor increase in understanding concerning stress and infertility, and an increased intent to utilize stress management techniques of 20%. While this project was performed with a small sample the reported increased intent to use stress reduction techniques and desire for more information about stress and infertility show that the education materials could be revised and used for future research.