The effect of hypnofertility on fertility preparedness, stress, and coping with stress in women having in vitro fertilization: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

In vitro fertilisation is a stressful process for women. Hypnofertility is a method that can be used to relieve stress during in vitro fertilisation. It is based on an effective and strong body-mind interaction, as well as balancing the brain and body via positive words and thoughts.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of hypnofertility on fertility preparedness, stress, and coping with stress in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation.

METHODS

This study was conducted with a randomised controlled trial design. Hypnofertility-based relaxation, visualisation, imagination, and affirmation techniques were applied to the intervention group at four stages, and no initiative was applied to the women in the control group. The Clinical Trial Registration number of the study is NCT04755270.

RESULTS

After the hypnofertility method, the mean score of the intervention group in the positive feelings and thoughts subscale of the Fertility Preparedness Scale was higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). The hypnofertility method caused a significant decrease in the level of infertility stress in the intervention group, and the intervention group used the active-confronting and passive-avoidance methods more than control group did (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The hypnofertility method increased the levels of preparedness for fertility, reduced stress levels and provided effective strategies to cope with stress.