Use of fertility apps and their impact on anxiety and mental health of infertile women: A systematic review

Introduction: Infertility is a complex condition that affects millions of women globally and is often accompanied by anxiety, stress, and depressive symptoms. Alongside medical challenges, infertile women frequently encounter emotional burdens that can influence their quality of life. The recent proliferation of digital health technologies has introduced fertility applications (apps) that track menstrual cycles, ovulation, and reproductive health parameters. These apps can empower women by providing personalized insights and a sense of control. However, emerging evidence suggests that frequent app usage may also increase anxiety, obsessive behaviors, and emotional distress, particularly when outcomes are uncertain or expectations are unmet. Despite the growing prevalence of these tools, there is limited systematic synthesis on their psychological impact. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO for studies published between ۲۰۱۰ and ۲۰۲۵. Eligible studies included quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method designs assessing psychological outcomes among women using fertility apps. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were independently performed by two reviewers in accordance with PRISMA ۲۰۲۰ guidelines. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion or consultation with a third reviewer. Results: From an initial ۱,۲۴۸ records, ۳۲ studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings indicate that fertility apps can enhance mental well-being by increasing self-efficacy, awareness, and perceived control over reproductive health. Conversely, intensive engagement with apps, reliance on predictive algorithms, and repeated tracking were linked to higher anxiety, stress, and obsessive behaviors in certain populations, particularly women with prior infertility treatments or psychological vulnerability. Heterogeneity in app features, usage patterns, and outcome measures limited meta-analysis, but narrative synthesis revealed consistent patterns associating app intensity with psychological effects. Conclusion: Fertility apps represent a double-edged tool: they can support empowerment and self-management, yet they may exacerbate anxiety in susceptible individuals. Clinicians and app developers should consider integrating psychological guidance and tailored feedback to mitigate potential adverse effects. Further high-quality longitudinal research is needed to clarify causal relationships and optimize app design for mental health outcomes in infertile women.

کلیدواژه ها:

Fertility apps ، infertility in women ، anxiety ، mental health ، fertility tracking