Psychological Beliefs Significantly Boost Fertility Treatment Success Rates

A doctoral study conducted by Dr. Michal Kreitler at Tel Aviv University has identified specific psychological beliefs that dramatically increase the success rate of fertility treatments. The research, which focused on the cognitive orientation theory developed by Professors Hans and Shulamit Kreitler, found that women who adopted certain mindsets were significantly more likely to conceive.

Dr. Kreitler's study involved 91 women undergoing IVF at Ichilov Hospital. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups. One group received individual counseling focused on strengthening beliefs associated with conception, another received general psychological support, and a control group received no intervention. The results showed that 96% of women in the cognitive orientation group became pregnant, compared to 55-65% in the other two groups.

Key beliefs identified as crucial for success include perseverance through frustrating cycles, flexible adaptation to the process, forward-thinking about life post-treatment, and, most importantly, releasing the need for control and "going with the flow." Dr. Kreitler emphasized that this approach does not blame women for their difficulties but rather suggests adding supportive beliefs to their existing ones.

Kreitler, who herself underwent fertility treatments, noted that her success with her second child was quicker, possibly due to these beliefs being more ingrained. She plans to focus on writing books rather than further research, having contributed her findings to the scientific community. The research was supervised by Professor Shoshana Shile and conducted in collaboration with Professor Fuad Azam's IVF department.