Coping with Primary Ovarian Insufficiency in Iranian Women: A Qualitative Study

Primary ovarian insufficiency is known as menopause before the age of 40 years. The afflicted women face both physical complications and various psychosocial problems capable of reducing their quality of life. The present study aimed to investigate the way Iranian women coped with the disease. This was a qualitative study using in-depth semi-structured interviews with 16 women with primary ovarian insufficiency selected via purposive sampling method. The data from interviews were then analyzed using content analysis method. Four main categories emerged for the way Iranian women with primary ovarian insufficiency confronted the disease: resilience (adaptation to life, spirituality, posttraumatic growth, and obtaining information), attitude towards the disease (wrong beliefs vs. positivism), attempts to manage health (life style modification, risk reduction, preventive measures, and non-genetic motherhood), and seeking support (from spouse, family, friends, healthcare team, and the government). There is a strong need to provide these women with effective and supportive relationships, as well as accurate information and consultation services. Moreover, creating websites for accurate information provision and forming virtual support groups helps them get adapted. Besides, the government can facilitate their adaptation with the disease through fertility insurance coverage.