Psychophysiological biomarkers of stress in women under in vitro Fertilization Treatment
Cortisol, anxiety, social support, coping styles, assisted reproduction.
One of the most commonly used assisted reproduction techniques today is in vitro fertilization (IVF), but an average worldwide success rate observed by this therapy is about 30%. Ovarian and embryonic aspects, as well as individual factors, seem to contribute to the treatment outcome. Since IVF involves physical and psychological stressors, studies of stress biomarkers are important in trying to increase treatment outcome. A previous study by our research group that determined levels of anxiety and reactivity of salivary cortisol awakening response were increased in patients who did not reach pregnancy. There was also a direct correlation between anxiety levels and stress levels, and an inverse correlation of both with perceived social support, which was detected in patients with avoidant coping style. Given the relevant results and the interest in improving this research, a new stage is being performed. The present study is about this continuation, in which we intend to introduce a new biomarker, the plasma cortisol, extend the days of markers investigation throughout treatment, and evaluate their modulations under new parameters: the number and quality of oocytes and embryos. Thus, this project aims to analyze how psychophysiological aspects associated with stress correlate with the process of in vitro fertilization.