In vitro fertilization as one of the methods to threat infertility in Poland

This paper is an attempt to describe problems of women who are treated for infertility and use the in vitro method when trying to have a baby. Unplanned childlessness has been qualified by the World Health Organisation as a social disease. There are no studies conducted in Poland which would enable to determine the scale of the infertility problem. It is estimated that around a million of Polish couples have difficulties with procreation. Women who are treated for it find it difficult to accept the situation they are in. Until 1st July 2013, when the „Treating Infertility with the Use of Extracorporeal Insemination Method Programme” was introduced, there were no set standards of treating infertility in Poland, which often resulted in couples seeing the doctor too late and the supported reproduction being the only method of treatment. The aim of treating infertility is to become pregnant and give birth to a baby. Up till now, Poland was one of the few European countries that did not have legal regulations regarding treading the disease with the supported reproduction method, even though the treatments are undertaken by many specialists in approximately 55 health centres. An important role in diagnosing and treating infertility in Poland is played by midwives, who work according to the legislation and, among others, carry out the tasks related to providing care for reproductive health, family planning counselling and treating infertility.

Nursing Topics 2014; 22 (1): 99–106