DOI: 10.1177/26884844261475855 ISSN: 2688-4844

A Pilot Study of Virtual Yoga on Quality of Life in Women Undergoing In Vitro Fertilization: Differential Benefits for Those with a History of Dysmenorrhea

Jenna M. Wilson, Radosavljevic Dusanka, Annie Kurian, Myrella Paschali, Kristin L. Schreiber, Asimina Lazaridou
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Background:

Infertility affects millions of women, with in vitro fertilization (IVF) as a common treatment. Women undergoing IVF often experience distress and reduced quality of life (QoL), and many also have a history of dysmenorrhea ( i.e. , chronic menstrual pain), which may influence their treatment experience. This single-arm pilot study examined the impact of a virtual yoga program on distress and fertility-related QoL, and explored whether effects differed between women with and without dysmenorrhea.

Methods:

Participants undergoing IVF completed the Fertility Quality of Life tool, assessing Emotional, Mind–Body, Relational, Social, Environment, and Treatment Tolerability domains, along with measures of distress (stress, anxiety, depression), before and after a 6-week virtual yoga program. The Satyananda-based program featured beginner-level sessions led by a fertility-focused instructor, combining asanas, pranayama, and meditation.

Results:

The sample ( N = 26) reported an average of 2.8 years of infertility (standard deviation = 2.3), with 35% reporting a history of dysmenorrhea; baseline QoL and distress did not differ between those with and without dysmenorrhea. QoL significantly improved across Emotional, Mind–Body, Relational, and Environment domains, with women with dysmenorrhea showing significantly larger gains in the Emotional and Relational domains. Distress did not significantly change.

Conclusion:

This pilot study suggests that a virtual yoga program may offer psychosocial benefits during IVF, with exploratory analyses indicating that improvements may be more pronounced among women with a history of dysmenorrhea. Larger, adequately powered studies are needed to confirm these findings and identify the individuals most likely to benefit.

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