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The role of CBT in IVF success: How clinics can enhance patient support

Supporting Relationships Through IVF: How Clinics Can Help Patients Stay Connected 
January 22, 2025
 

IVF is one of the most emotionally challenging medical treatments patients can undergo. The psychological toll of fertility treatment, combined with the uncertainty of outcomes, can lead to high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.

Research has shown that cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques not only help patients manage their emotional well-being but may also contribute to improved IVF success rates. By incorporating CBT-based support into their patient care, fertility clinics can enhance the overall patient experience, reduce drop-out rates, and improve treatment outcomes.

The Psychological Challenges of IVF

Studies show that around 42% of IVF patients experience suicidal thoughts during treatment, highlighting the severe emotional impact of the process. Patients often report feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and unsupported, particularly after failed cycles. This emotional distress can lead to increased dropout rates, with many patients choosing to discontinue treatment due to the psychological strain rather than medical reasons.

How CBT Can Benefit IVF Patients

CBT is a well-established, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals reframe negative thought patterns and develop coping strategies. For IVF patients, this can mean:

  • Reduced stress and anxiety, which research suggests may positively impact hormonal balance and implantation rates.
  • Improved emotional resilience, helping patients cope with setbacks such as failed cycles.
  • Better decision-making, allowing patients to navigate their treatment options with clarity and confidence.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple studies found that patients who received CBT during IVF treatment were more likely to achieve pregnancy (source).

Clinics that integrate psychological support into their services can, therefore, not only improve patient well-being but also potentially enhance clinical success rates.

How Clinics Can Offer CBT-Based Support to Patients

Fertility clinics have a unique opportunity to provide holistic patient care by incorporating CBT techniques into their support offerings.

Some ways to do this include:

  • Providing structured emotional support programs, such as CBT-based workshops or group therapy sessions.
  • Training staff in CBT-informed communication, ensuring all patient interactions are supportive and empathetic.
  • Recommending evidence-based tools, such as The IVF Positivity Planner, which contains guided CBT exercises tailored for fertility patients. 

The IVF Positivity Planner: A Simple Way to Support Your Patients

Clinics looking to offer practical, easy-to-implement emotional support can provide The IVF Positivity Planner as a resource for patients. This internationally bestselling planner includes:

- CBT-based exercises to help patients manage stress and anxiety.
- A structured weekly symptom tracker to monitor mental and physical well-being.
- A dedicated GP consultation tracker to help patients advocate for themselves in medical appointments.

By offering The IVF Positivity Planner as part of your clinic’s patient support resources, you can provide practical, evidence-based emotional support that helps patients feel more in control throughout their fertility journey.

Interested in offering The IVF Positivity Planner to your patients? Contact me at [email protected] to find out how your clinic can partner with me to support patient well-being.

 

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