Fertility clinic at Odense University Hospital to offer psychological support for patients in Denmark

Navigating fertility treatment can be challenging both physically and emotionally. Many patients experience stress, depression, or even abandon their dreams of having children, according to experts. Responding to these needs, the fertility clinic at Odense University Hospital (OUH) in Region South Denmark will soon offer psychological support for patients facing the emotional toll of treatment.

Mette With Hagensen, chair of the regional health committee, emphasized that both staff and patients have called for this support, recognizing the intense pressure involved in fertility treatments. Once implemented, OUH will be the only public clinic in Denmark to provide a dedicated psychologist, setting it apart from the other nine clinics in the country. Currently, only two clinics offer some form of psychological support.

Head physician Mette Tanvig noted that many patients arrive at the clinic carrying grief and sadness from unsuccessful attempts to conceive. Some exhibit signs of anxiety and depression, leading to the expectation that 30% of patients will seek and receive psychological assistance.

The Region South Denmark has allocated 682,000 Danish kroner for this initiative this year, with plans to increase the budget to 1.2 million kroner from 2025 onwards. This funding comes from additional government resources intended to facilitate more IVF treatments.

Despite the positive steps at OUH, there is still a considerable need for similar services across the country, as highlighted by Betina Boel Povlsen, chair of the Danish Fertility Society. She advocates for comprehensive care for all patients, estimating that nearly half could benefit from psychological support.

While the responsibility for public fertility clinics lies with Danish Regions, the chair of its health committee admitted that not all regions have the funding or obligation to provide such services, though hopes for expansion remain. Danish Health Minister Sophie Løhde expressed enthusiasm for the initiative and its potential for broader application in the future.