On 19-25 May it was European Mental Health Week – a timely opportunity to shed light on an often-overlooked challenge: the emotional strain that fertility treatments place on individuals and couples. The psychological toll includes high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression – factors that affect the well-being and often lead to discontinuation of the fertility treatment*.
Recognizing the urgency of this issue, one of ReproUnion’s seven innovation projects is taking concrete steps to address the mental health burden linked to infertility. Led by researchers Eva Elmerstig and Charlotta Holmström at Malmö University, the project is exploring how tailored psychological support and new digital tools can empower couples and improve emotional resilience during fertility treatment.
“As fertility rates continue to decline across Europe and involuntary childlessness becomes more common, solutions like this are vital. They offer a more holistic approach to reproductive care – one that supports not only the dream of parenthood but also the mental health of those on the journey,” comments Eva Elmerstig, Associate Professor.
At the heart of this ReproUnion Innovation project is the development of a user-centered eHealth platform – one that supports both patients and their partners equally. Unlike many existing apps, which focus almost exclusively on women and operate independently of clinical care, this new solution will be co-designed with healthcare professionals to ensure integration into the care pathway.
Key features of the platform are expected to be:
• Mental health support through stress-reducing tools and emotional guidance
• Inclusive care that acknowledges the shared journey of both partners
• Reliable information and structure, with step-by-step assistance through treatment stages
“This innovation is not just about technology – it’s about changing the way we think about fertility treatment. By addressing both medical and emotional needs, the project aspires to support fertility treatment to make it more effective, less isolating, and more humane,” concludes Eva Elmerstig.
*Source: Gameiro et al. (2012) – Why do patients discontinue fertility treatment? A systematic review of reasons and predictors of discontinuation in fertility treatment. Human Reproduction Update, 18(6), 652–669.
