Practices of self-tracking in infertility treatment: How bodily awareness is constituted

Authors

  • Matilde Lykkebo Petersen University of Copenhagen, Denmark
  • Martina Skrubbeltrang Mahnke Roskilde University, Denmark
  • Mikka Nielsen VIVE, The Danish Center for Social Science Research, Denmark

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7146/qhc.v1i2.130468

Keywords:

awareness, bodily sensations, data, fertility, infertility treatment, self-tracking

Abstract

Background: The femtech industry has grown extensively in recent years and in infertility treatment, the practice of digitally self-tracking menstrual cycles has become a popular way for patients to manage, monitor and deal with issues of fertility. Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate how patients’ self-tracking practices affect bodily awareness. Methods: The study draws on 20 qualitative interviews with 12 patients, recruited through a private clinic in Copenhagen, Denmark. Interviewees were selected based on the criteria: age, treatment type and length, and engagement in self-tracking practices. All interview material was thematically coded. Findings: The analysis results in three main themes: 1) self-tracking as a tool for knowledge creation and planning purposes, 2) self-tracking as body-awareness maximizing process, and 3) self-tracking as a professional and emotional process. Discussion: Through self-tracking practices, the menstrual cycle becomes a multiple object, interpreted and acted upon in diverse ways – all of which, however, aim to optimize conditions for conception. Conclusions: Self-tracking in infertility treatment affects bodily awareness in three distinctive ways: 1) it creates emotional ambivalence, 2) it places patients in an ambivalent position towards health professionals, and 3) it creates ambivalence towards patients’ understanding of the menstrual cycle.

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Published

2022-07-06

How to Cite

Matilde Lykkebo Petersen, Martina Skrubbeltrang Mahnke, & Mikka Nielsen. (2022). Practices of self-tracking in infertility treatment: How bodily awareness is constituted. Qualitative Health Communication, 1(2), 35–47. https://doi.org/10.7146/qhc.v1i2.130468

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (2022)

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