A Narrative Analysis of the In Vitro Fertilization Experiences of Survivors of Sexual Abuse.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the lived experience of in vitro fertilization (IVF) from the perspective of survivors of sexual abuse.

DESIGN

In this qualitative study, narrative analysis provided the framework to understand participants' IVF experiences.

SETTING

Participants were recruited through a regional support group for women with infertility.

PARTICIPANTS

Three women (mean age = 33.3 years) who self-identified as a survivor of sexual abuse and had at least one IVF experience participated in this study.

MEASUREMENTS: Each participant wrote a narrative text of her experience. Burke's method was followed for analysis of the narratives.

RESULTS

The most frequent imbalance was between what is happening (i.e., IVF procedures) and how the health care team provided the care. The repercussion was a negative experience for survivors, stemming from an insensitive manner in which their physical and verbal care was delivered by health care teams. These women were also deeply protective of their oocytes (eggs), embryos, and children.

CONCLUSION

Health care providers may use these findings to better meet the physical and psychological needs of survivors of sexual abuse who are coping with infertility. Providers can have a more positive effect on the IVF experience of survivors by ensuring that the procedures they perform and the information they share are explained fully and delivered in a trauma-informed manner.