An Australian-first support website has been launched to address the emotional and mental health toll of undergoing fertility treatments.
Dr Katrina Moss of The University of Queensland’s Australian Women and Girls’ Health Research Centre , who led the development of the website after her own experience of IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) treatment, said it offered evidence-based information, testimonies from patients and interactive tools.
“IVF is an emotional rollercoaster, and many people don’t have the support they need,” Dr Moss said.
“More than 100,000 cycles of assisted reproductive technology treatment are done in Australia each year.
“Only about 1 in 3 results in a live birth so most people try many times and the more cycles you do, the harder it gets.
“Up to 75 per cent of people doing fertility treatment experience anxiety or depression, but less than 25 per cent receive any mental health support.
“The emotional burden is one of the main reasons people stop IVF.
“We want to change this. We’re hoping this website makes people feel more supported and less alone.”
The My IVF Support website was written by psychologists, medical specialists and nurses, and was informed by surveys and interviews with patients, partners and their supporters in a research collaboration between UQ, Monash University and Cardiff University.
Dr Moss said the website offered jargon-free guides to understanding types of treatment, what happens in each phase of an IVF cycle, what to expect when fertility plans changed, as well as separate information sections for patients, partners and supporters.
“This is based on my own experiences with multiple cycles of IVF – it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I couldn’t believe there wasn’t more support available,” she said.
“We worked closely with partners and patients to design a system that will help people better understand the emotional challenges of treatment, track their moods, develop coping strategies, and feel more supported throughout their IVF journey.
“It gives people the tools they need to manage the emotional ups and downs of fertility treatment and provides evidence-based information so people can stay off Dr Google.
“It will reduce the emotional burden of treatment, help them to stay in treatment longer if they want to, and help them come out the other side in better shape.”
The My IVF Support website (myivfsupport.com.au) is now live.
