Psychological Problems Associated with Failed Assisted Reproductive Technologies among Sudanese Couples in Khartoum State

In Sudan, where the prevalence of infertility estimated to be 11.5%, IVF provided in 11 fertility centres in different Khartoum localities. Regardless of the cause IVF failure has negative psychological impact and it is associated with a deterioration of the emotional wellbeing. In a study by Verhaak et al. in 2005, showed that over 20% of the women who did not achieve pregnancy showed depression and/or anxiety up to 6 months after treatment termination. Regarding the psychological impact of IVF/ICSI failure in Sudan is even worse due to the cultural and social norms. It is important that infertile couples attend IVF clinic should receive appropriate counselling with regard to coping with treatment failure to prevent further psychological effect. Along with the realization of couples about their reproductive potential and having children is seen as a key lifetime achievement, having a lovely family is the meaningful life. It is therefore not surprising that infertility has a profound psychological stressful effect on couples. Most look for therapeutic and medical intervention and many, including those in low resources settings are prepared to face catastrophic financial hardship in order to pay for ART and visiting fertility centres. The dream of having biologically related baby, when the result isn’t positive, may turn to become a source of frustration, hopelessness, depression, anxiety and tension

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