Women's experiences of Short Cycle In-vitro Fertilisation

Date
2010
Authors
Balfour, Sarah Elizabeth
Supervisor
Goedeke, Sonja
Payne, Deborah
Item type
Thesis
Degree name
Master of Health Science
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Auckland University of Technology
Abstract

This research project explored women’s constructions of their experiences of undergoing a short cycle protocol of in-vitro fertilisation for infertility treatment. A qualitative research design was used, utilising five face-to-face and two phone interviews with women who had undergone this type of IVF protocol, to explore their constructions of the experience. A synthesised, critical discursive psychology approach was employed for data analysis, revealing four main repertoires which women used to understand their experience of short cycle IVF. These included constructions of short cycle IVF as more natural, more manageable, a better investment and finally, representing a more informed choice. These repertoires served to position women in such ways that they exercised agency and choice throughout their IVF process, resisting the notion of a patient as passive and lacking control.

Description
Keywords
Short cycle IVF , Discursive psychology , Infertility
Source
DOI
Publisher's version
Rights statement