Ghanaian Women’s Experiences of Unsuccessful In-Vitro Fertilisation Treatment. Unravelling their Meanings: A Heideggerian Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Abstract Background Women having experienced infertility over a period usually decide on an option for an invitro fertilization treatment. However, in the quest to seek help and to be part of motherhood, they sometimes become unsuccessful in their fertility journey. The researchers aimed to explore the meanings and emotions attached to infertility and unsuccessful IVF treatment among Ghanaian women, as this area of inquiry is less explored in Africa and specifically in the Ghanaian context. Methods The study followed a qualitative approach and drew inspiration from the Heideggerian phenomenological philosophy and design. Six (6) women, aged between 29 and 40 years, who had experienced at least one unsuccessful IVF cycle, were purposefully selected from a private specialist fertility hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. One-on-one interviews were conducted with the participants, and the interviews were transcribed verbatim. The collected data was analyzed using Van Manen six-step framework, which helped to uncover the participants' phenomenological conversations, i.e., their lived experiences and subjective perspectives. Results The results of the study revealed four main themes that were deemed essential aspects of meaning for the participants. These themes were: (1) Experiencing an Existential Faith and Hope. (2) Facing up to the Angst, (3). Non-disclosedness and (4), Endured feelings of inadequacy of being-in-the-world-of-motherless. Conclusion In summary, this study sheds light on the experiences and meanings attributed to infertility and IVF treatment failure among Ghanaian women. It contributes to the nursing literature in this area and has implications for improving support and care for women undergoing infertility treatments.