Research-Supported Mobile Applications and Internet-Based Technologies to Mediate the Psychological Effects of Infertility: A Review

ABSTRACT Infertility is a chronic condition commonly accompanied by psychological and emotional distress (Clifton et al. 2020). A significant contributor to infertility treatment discontinuation is the psychological burden of treatment. Many individuals experiencing infertility report high levels of depression and anxiety (Pasch et al. 2016; Grunberg et al. 2020). Unfortunately, barriers to traditional individual and couples counseling include stigmatization, finances, trepidation, challenges of travel, and uncertainty (Clifton et al. 2020). New technology such as mobile applications and internet-based programs may be a feasible option for reducing the emotional distress of infertility diagnoses and treatments. This review focuses on current and developing technologies designed to decrease emotional distress in individuals with infertility.