Impact of intimate partner violence on in vitro fertilization outcomes among infertile women: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health concern that disproportionately affects women, yet its impact on assisted reproductive outcomes remains insufficiently understood. This study aimed to assess the 12-month prevalence of IPV among infertile women and to evaluate its association with in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 406 infertile women who underwent IPV assessment at a tertiary reproductive center in China between January 2020 and December 2022. IPV exposure within the previous 12 months and psychological status were assessed at baseline before embryo transfer using validated questionnaires. Among them, 325 women who underwent IVF-ET cycles were included in the analysis of reproductive outcomes. IVF-ET characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were collected from electronic medical records and follow-up data. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations between IPV exposure and miscarriage and live birth.

RESULTS

The 12-month prevalence of IPV was 57.4%, with psychological violence being the most common form. Women exposed to IPV had poorer psychological health and a longer duration of infertility. IPV exposure showed a marginal association with an increased risk of miscarriage (adjusted OR 2.96, 95% CI 0.97-9.04; P = 0.057) and was independently associated with a reduced likelihood of live birth (adjusted OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.36-0.98; P = 0.041).

CONCLUSION

IPV is highly prevalent among infertile women. It is independently associated with reduced live birth rate following IVF-ET, and shows a marginal association with increased miscarriage risk. Incorporating IPV screening into reproductive healthcare may help identify affected women and provide opportunities for appropriate support, potentially improving their psychosocial well-being and reproductive care.