Post IVF syndrome? Psychological implications of failed IVF

The number of couples, of childbearing age, seeking assisted reproduction technology (ART) treatment is increasing. This has led to a growing interest in the psychological impact of ART, both during and following treatment. A large number of factors contribute to psychological morbidity following failed ART treatment, which makes it difficult to quantify and study. It has been demonstrated that couples can experience psychological dysfunction several years after the cessation of unsuccessful treatment. It is, therefore, important that couples are counselled with regard to coping with treatment failure and long-term childlessness in addition to aspects relating to fertility treatment.