Analysis of emotional fluctuations in infertile women during ART treatment: the impact of ovarian hyperstimulation

Background Infertility affects many reproductive-aged couples, with assisted reproductive technology (ART) offering hope but also significant emotional stress due to invasive procedures, hormonal fluctuations, uncertainty, and financial and emotional burden of repeated cycles. Ovarian hyperstimulati...

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Main Authors: Xinyu Zhou, Sen Liang, Dongmei Ji, Chunmei Liang, Yunxia Cao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-12-01
Series:Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/0167482X.2025.2500929
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author Xinyu Zhou
Sen Liang
Dongmei Ji
Chunmei Liang
Yunxia Cao
author_facet Xinyu Zhou
Sen Liang
Dongmei Ji
Chunmei Liang
Yunxia Cao
author_sort Xinyu Zhou
collection DOAJ
description Background Infertility affects many reproductive-aged couples, with assisted reproductive technology (ART) offering hope but also significant emotional stress due to invasive procedures, hormonal fluctuations, uncertainty, and financial and emotional burden of repeated cycles. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a common ART complication, may further aggravate psychological distress, yet its mental health impact remains understudied.Methods This longitudinal study included 1,429 women undergoing their first ART cycle at a reproductive center in China. Psychological assessments were conducted at four critical time points: before ART, post-surgery (early pregnancy), mid-pregnancy and late pregnancy. Validated scales (SAS, CES-D, CPSS, PSQI) measured anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep quality. OHSS was diagnosed per clinical guidelines. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) assessed changes over time and the moderating effects of OHSS, adjusting for age, education level and income.Results OHSS occurred in 9.2% of participants, who tended to be younger and have higher socioeconomic status. Anxiety peaked after surgery and remained elevated; stress declined steadily; sleep quality improved; depression rebounded slightly in late pregnancy. OHSS significantly intensified anxiety and stress but had no clear impact on depression or sleep.Conclusions Emotional responses during ART are dynamic. OHSS amplifies anxiety and stress, warranting integrated psychological support within ART programs, particularly for OHSS-affected women.
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spelling doaj-art-e9d43c5158fa45349bec07e4b78e10612025-08-20T03:48:06ZengTaylor & Francis GroupJournal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology0167-482X1743-89422025-12-0146110.1080/0167482X.2025.2500929Analysis of emotional fluctuations in infertile women during ART treatment: the impact of ovarian hyperstimulationXinyu Zhou0Sen Liang1Dongmei Ji2Chunmei Liang3Yunxia Cao4Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, ChinaSchool of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, ChinaDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, ChinaDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, ChinaDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, ChinaBackground Infertility affects many reproductive-aged couples, with assisted reproductive technology (ART) offering hope but also significant emotional stress due to invasive procedures, hormonal fluctuations, uncertainty, and financial and emotional burden of repeated cycles. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a common ART complication, may further aggravate psychological distress, yet its mental health impact remains understudied.Methods This longitudinal study included 1,429 women undergoing their first ART cycle at a reproductive center in China. Psychological assessments were conducted at four critical time points: before ART, post-surgery (early pregnancy), mid-pregnancy and late pregnancy. Validated scales (SAS, CES-D, CPSS, PSQI) measured anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep quality. OHSS was diagnosed per clinical guidelines. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) assessed changes over time and the moderating effects of OHSS, adjusting for age, education level and income.Results OHSS occurred in 9.2% of participants, who tended to be younger and have higher socioeconomic status. Anxiety peaked after surgery and remained elevated; stress declined steadily; sleep quality improved; depression rebounded slightly in late pregnancy. OHSS significantly intensified anxiety and stress but had no clear impact on depression or sleep.Conclusions Emotional responses during ART are dynamic. OHSS amplifies anxiety and stress, warranting integrated psychological support within ART programs, particularly for OHSS-affected women.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/0167482X.2025.2500929OHSSmental healthART treatmentIVFICSI
spellingShingle Xinyu Zhou
Sen Liang
Dongmei Ji
Chunmei Liang
Yunxia Cao
Analysis of emotional fluctuations in infertile women during ART treatment: the impact of ovarian hyperstimulation
Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology
OHSS
mental health
ART treatment
IVF
ICSI
title Analysis of emotional fluctuations in infertile women during ART treatment: the impact of ovarian hyperstimulation
title_full Analysis of emotional fluctuations in infertile women during ART treatment: the impact of ovarian hyperstimulation
title_fullStr Analysis of emotional fluctuations in infertile women during ART treatment: the impact of ovarian hyperstimulation
title_full_unstemmed Analysis of emotional fluctuations in infertile women during ART treatment: the impact of ovarian hyperstimulation
title_short Analysis of emotional fluctuations in infertile women during ART treatment: the impact of ovarian hyperstimulation
title_sort analysis of emotional fluctuations in infertile women during art treatment the impact of ovarian hyperstimulation
topic OHSS
mental health
ART treatment
IVF
ICSI
url https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/0167482X.2025.2500929
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