healthmedicinet

“This [study] shows that quality of life is strongly linked with
children, irrespective of whether they’re the result of spontaneous
pregnancies, adoption or step-children,” she said.

“The results show that it can be important to consider adoption as soon
as couples seek medical help for infertility, especially now that we know
that adoption enhances quality of life.

“As things stand, the issue of adoption is pursued only once IVF
treatment has failed.”

She added: “They may feel more happiness when they have gone through a lot of
problems.”

Researchers comprising midwives and doctors at the Academy, studied quality of
life between four and five and-a-half years after IVF treatment in 979 men
and women in Sweden.

They were broken down into four groups, which included couples whose IVF
treatment had failed and those whose treatment had resulted in children.

They also looked at those who did not have any fertility problems and those
who, following unsuccessful IVF treatment, decided to adopt.

The groups were then asked to complete two questionnaires detailing their
“psychological general well being (PGWB)” and one that assessed their “sense
of coherence” (SOC).

They were also asked about their demographics, socio-economic situation and
personal health.

The study found that quality of life, measured as psychological well-being and
a feeling of connection, was highest among couples who had adopted.

They also suggested a better quality of life was recorded amongst couples who
adopted after failed IVF treatment than either those, who remained childless
or had not experienced fertility problems.

Those whose IVF treatment had failed and who were still childless showed the
lowest levels of satisfaction with life.

But those who went on to adopt scored more highly across the board and were
even found less likely to need medical care, used fewer medications, smoked
less and reported less long term illness than other groups.

Prof Berg added: “Quality of life five years after adoption is high and as
good as after having a spontaneously or IVF-conceived child.

“This holds true even when IVF fails, as long as there are other children in
the family.

“It may be important to convey this information to couples beginning
infertility work-up in order to reduce stress.”

Researchers involved in the study worked in fertility units at Sahlgrenska
University Hospital, Skaraborg Hospital Skövde and the county hospitals in
Borås and Uddevalla.

Their study, titled, “Quality of life after adopting compared with
childbirth with or without assisted reproduction”, was published in the
journal Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica.