Contraception / IVF
ANSWERS
Since its introduction in 1978, the usage of in vitro fertilization (IVF) has significantly expanded. There are several subfertility causes for women seeking IVF, including unexplained subfertility. A growing segment of women seeks treatment for conditions other than infertility issues, such as same-sex partnerships and being single. To improve service delivery and avoid unintended and rapid-repeat births, this study aims to identify better the contraceptive needs of women following successful IVF pregnancies.
A qualitative investigation of the opinions of women who became pregnant on their own following a successful IVF cycle. Using targeted and snowballing sampling techniques, participants were drawn from peer networks and social media. NVivo 12 was utilized for analysis utilizing the framework method.
The sample included 21 British respondents who had a variety of spontaneous pregnancy outcomes, such as single and multiple live births, miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and pregnancy termination. The decision to use contraception was influenced by a complex and dynamic combination of influencing factors, such as opinions on contraception, desires for children, and perceptions about subfertility. None among the ladies remembered getting any advice or helpful information regarding contraception while undergoing fertility or maternity treatment. Most women (n = 16) did not utilize any or inadequate contraception after IVF pregnancies. In this group, spontaneous pregnancies were not always welcomed, and inter-pregnancy intervals were frequently short (n = 16, fewer than 18 months). The utilization of effective methods of contraception remained low even after a subsequent spontaneous pregnancy. Despite subsequent spontaneous pregnancies, women continued to hold onto their views about their subfertility. Despite a livebirth being the ultimate “success” of the IVF process, many associated certain aspects of it with feelings of personal failure. These elements might strengthen their self-perception of subfertility. Other obstacles to contraception in IVF patients were ignorance about the chance of spontaneous conception, a lack of prior contraceptive experience, and intrinsic motivations to space pregnancies closer together.
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