Regret over the delay in childbearing decision negatively associates with life satisfaction among Japanese women seeking fertility treatment: a cross-sectional study
Abstract Background: Currently, in developed countries, increased numbers of women and men are delaying childbearing but, later in life, begin seeking fertility treatment. Some women undergoing infertility treatment develop negative feelings such as depression associated with low life satisfaction and regret over the delay in childbearing decision. Thus, we examine the association of life satisfaction with regret over the delay in childbearing decision and infertility-related factors, among Japanese women and men seeking fertility treatment.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 253 women and 196 men referred to fertility facilities in Japan from July to December 2018. Participants completed a questionnaire on life satisfaction, regret over the delay in childbearing decision, infertility-related factors and sociodemographic characteristics. Life satisfaction was measured using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and the degree of regret over delay in childbearing decision was measured on a 7-point Likert scale. Multiple linear regression by gender was used to analyze the association of life satisfaction with regret over the delay in childbearing decision and infertility-related factors.Results: Of the 253 women and 196 men, 102 (40.3%) women and 43 (21.9%) men answered “strongly agree” regarding their regret over the delay in childbearing decision. In women, life satisfaction was negatively associated with regret (β = -0.155, 95% CI [-0.938, -0.093], p = 0.017), used assisted reproduction technology (ART) (β = -0.135, 95% CI [-2.977, -0.020], p = 0.047). In contrast, previous live birth was positively associated with life satisfaction (β = 0.134, 95% CI [0.12, 3.739], p = 0.037). In men, we found no significant association of life satisfaction with regret over the delay in childbearing decision and infertility-related factors.Conclusions: Regret over the delay in childbearing decision could be negatively associated with life satisfaction among Japanese women seeking fertility treatment. It may be important for women to make better informed decision regarding the timing of childbearing to not regret later in life. Health professionals should reduce regret over the delay in childbearing decision during fertility treatment and explore to spread information on fertility awareness.