The Relationship Impacts on Treatment (RIT) Study)

This study is about understanding and measuring intimate partner violence and reproductive coercion among people experiencing infertility.

Infertility (not becoming pregnant despite at least 12 consecutive months of unprotected heterosexual intercourse) impacts almost 1 in 5 people in higher-income countries, and is associated with IPV, though limited research examines IPV/RC in this population. Health impacts for this vulnerable population must be more clearly understood to inform interventions and improve outcomes.

This study, using exploratory sequential mixed-methods, will explore IPV/RC among people experiencing infertility through patient and provider interviews to describe experiences and perceived impact. Findings will inform survey development to assess prevalence of IPV/RC, risk factors, and health outcomes with 3,500 people experiencing infertility, recruited through established research partnerships with online infertility communities.

This study aims to define IPV/RC in people with infertility, to inform future development of clinical guidelines to improve health system responses to IPV/RC in the context of infertility treatment provider education, and patient-facing materials to improve care and safety.

This study is funded by:

• George Mason College of Public Health Interpersonal Violence Research Pilot Fund

• American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Research Institute: ASRM Nursing/Physician Assistant Professionals Research Award