"Temporal meaning-making of women's emotional experiences during the infertility treatment process: a qualitative study".

PURPOSE: This study examines women's emotional experiences during infertility treatment through the perspective of temporality, focusing on pre-diagnosis meanings, treatment experiences, and future expectations.

METHOD: Using a descriptive phenomenological approach, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 19 women undergoing infertility treatment. Data were analyzed using Giorgi's method.

RESULTS

Infertility represents a 'biographical disruption' deeply affecting self-perception and social identity. Pre-diagnosis meanings attributed to motherhood deepen the trauma at diagnosis. The treatment process is an 'extended present' oscillating between hope and uncertainty, involving bodily objectification and intense social pressure.

CONCLUSION

Infertility is a multi-layered traumatic process. Health professionals should adopt a supportive care approach prioritizing women's temporal integrity and psychosocial well-being alongside medical outcomes.