The effects of lifestyle improvements and mindfulness-based stress reduction on pregnancy rate and anxiety in infertile women undergoing IVF: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The lengthy and multi-stage nature of assisted reproductive technology (ART) can impose financial and social burdens on couples while also affecting their psychological well-being. Mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques help individuals cope effectively and cultivate inner calm. Additionally, lifestyle choices can impact fertility outcomes. In this study, we investigated the effects of mindfulness and health-promoting lifestyles on in vitro fertilization outcomes in infertile couples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled clinical trial involving 300 infertile couples who were candidates for ART. The block randomization method randomly assigned participants to the intervention or control groups. The intervention group received an educational program of eight weeks of face-to-face interactive sessions supplemented by social media support. The control group received standard care. We compared the number of clinical pregnancies, health-promoting lifestyle scores, and anxiety levels between the two groups using Chi-square tests and independent t-tests. RESULTS: The clinical pregnancy rate in the intervention group (39.3%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (22%) (P < 0.001). After the intervention, the mean health-promoting lifestyle scores were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Additionally, anxiety scores were significantly lower in the intervention group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Simultaneously improving lifestyle choices, cultivating awareness of body and soul, and maintaining a non-prejudiced attitude toward the environment can lead to better outcomes in achieving the desire for a child.