End of assisted reproductive technology treatment: lived experience of couples

Introduction: One of the most complex phases of the Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR) treatment\r\nis the end of the treatment. In the MAR context, there is not a clearly defined biological endpoint, and\r\nthis absence makes the decision to end MAR treatment extremely difficult to make. In accordance with\r\nthese premises, this contribution aims to investigate the lived experiences of couples ending MAR\r\ntreatment, focusing on the decision-making process and the decision’s meaning.\r\nMethods: The sample involved couples who have completed the MAR treatment. Participants were asked\r\nfor socio-demographic data by linking to an online questionnaire developed on the Qualtrics platform.\r\nThe interviews were semi-structured and involved both members of the couple. Content analysis was\r\nconducted to identify areas and sub-areas related to the end of MAR treatment.\r\nResults: Two couples were involved in the interviews. The findings provide an illustration of the\r\nexperience related to the end of treatment. The resulting coding system considers five areas: the MAR\r\npathway and the associated clinical and psychological difficulties; the emotional implications of the end\r\nof treatment; the decision-making process leading to the end of treatment; the doctor-patient relationship\r\nand communication; and the prospects for the future of the individuals and the couple.\r\nDiscussion: Findings explored the phenomenon of the end of MAR treatment and the decision-making\r\nprocess related to it. This contribution highlights the need for participants to give meaning to MAR\r\ntreatment discontinuation. The end of treatment could occur in clinical and relational contexts that pose\r\ncomplexities in the process of elaborating the end. The general awareness regarding the end of treatment\r\nis promising and supports the potential uptake of promoting psychological well-being at this complex\r\nphase.