Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction in Infertility (MBSR-I)– information on the implementation of a new method

Abstract

Background: Couples struggling to get pregnant are also very often burdened with the stressful process of establishing the diagnosis and undergoing the treatment. More and more scientific studies indicate that there is a correlation between the level of the stress endured and the development of fertility disorders. For instance, it was proved that a higher concentration of the stress hormone, adrenaline, caused by the anxiety and depression experienced by women and men undergoing assisted reproduction procedures, has a significant impact on the treatment results. Considerably lower levels of stress hormones were found in women from whom egg cells were obtained, and in women who achieved the desired treatment results, i.e. became pregnant. Methods: A mindfulness based stress reduction program has been established for persons struggling with infertility Findings: A traditional MBSR program serves the purpose of developing an ability to perceive and internalize emotions, thoughts and feelings as observable objects which allows the users to alleviate symptoms and consequences of the experienced stress. This program was supplemented with a training aimed at raising the participants’ awareness of individual psychological costs of the infertility-induced stress, with meditation techniques involving visualization , and with yoga asanas boosting fertility. Conclusions: The present program MBSR-I helps the participants to alleviate symptoms and consequences of the stress caused by infertility, thus making it possible for them to improve and maintain their well-being. The self-observation ability develops intuition and self-acceptance which are both qualities having a positive impact on relations with the partner and other people.