Uncovering infertility

The experience of women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies

Abstract

Background: Infertility is a huge reproductive health problem in developed countries. The aim was to understand the infertility experience of women who have undergone assisted reproduction

technologies.

Methods: Qualitative study using Grounded Theory. Through intentional sampling and theoretical sampling, 20 women who had undergone Assisted Reproduction Technologies in public hospitals and specialized private clinics in Spain were selected. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and were analysed using the principles of Grounded Theory: initial coding and focused coding, memo writing, theoretical sampling and constant comparative method.

Results: “Uncovering infertility: unveiling the unknown” is the core category that explains the process which women go through. Four subcategories emerged and describe the temporal process from seeking pregnancy to reception and coping with the infertility diagnosis: “Seeking for a vital desire: being mothers/fathers”, “Suspecting infertility: the absence of the natural”, “In search of a diagnosis: knowing and understanding the problem”

and “The impact of diagnosis: a vital grief”.

Conclusions: Uncovering infertility is a process that has an impact on the different areas of women’s lives. This process produces different emotions and feelings such as guilt, frustration, sadness or anger. This process could be easier if women have the support of their partner, their social environment and if they share their problem with women who have the same situation.