Transition to Parenthood after Infertility: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

Backround Prevalence rates of infertility show that one in every six couples worldwide have experienced fertility problems. Research has shown that women with infertility have the same anxiety and depression levels as women with cancer, heart disease and HIV. Nevertheless, most existing research has focused on the infertility experience leading up to potential parenthood, rather than the actual parenting experience itself. Methods Qualitative study presents an in-depth exploration of the lived experiences and personal meaning of becoming parents of individuals affected by infertility. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and transcripts were subjected to Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results Four themes emerged: perception of fragility of life, father’s embodied emotional connection with child, becoming a parent—identity shift, and imprint of infertility on relationships with a partner. Conclusion The findings emphasize clinicians’ and researchers’ awareness of the need to process stress experience and highlight the importance of addressing couple’s grief issues, experienced during the infertility period to facilitate couples transitioning to parenthood.