PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS ON WOMEN UNDERGOING FERTILITY TREATMENT

Infertility has emerged as a significant global health concern, affecting approximately 10%–15% of heterosexual couples in which the woman is of reproductive age. Advances in fertility treatments have expanded the possibilities of parenthood beyond traditional marital frameworks, giving rise to diverse family structures, including single-parent and same-sex parent families. With increasing awareness of biological limitations, many women in their late 30s are pursuing fertility treatments, which often carry intense emotional and psychological burdens. This study explores the emotional experiences of women undergoing fertility treatments within the context of family dynamics. In Israel—a society where childbearing is highly valued—women receiving fertility care often face a complex intersection of personal desire, societal expectations, and familial influence. While these women are typically young and physically healthy, the psychological stressors and medical interventions they experience parallel those associated with serious illness. The aim of this research is to better understand how family relationships, expectations, and support mechanisms influence women's coping strategies during fertility treatment processes. By examining women’s lived experiences through a socio-cultural lens, this study contributes to a broader understanding of how infertility and fertility treatments are experienced emotionally and socially. The findings are intended to inform healthcare providers, mental health professionals, and policymakers seeking to improve emotional support systems for women undergoing fertility treatments in culturally sensitive contexts