A qualitative study of the factors that help the coping of infertile women

Abstract

Aim: The study describes the factors that help the coping of infertile women. Design: A qualitative study. Methods: Purposive sampling was used in gathering the data from the Finnish Infertility Associations closed discussion forum on Facebook. An electronic questionnaire included structured background questions and a qualitative open-ended question related to the factors that help coping. In total, 101 women participated voluntarily in the study. The participants had at least a 1-year personal experience of infertility. The data was analysed using inductive content analysis. Results: The factors that helped the coping of infertile women were personal resources such as mental well-being and having good abilities to deal with the issue. Also, a well-functioning relationship and getting help contributed to coping. Coping was also positively influenced by the ability to adapt to a childless life, which included having comforting thoughts, doing things that brought relief and orientating thinking towards the future.