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Background: Infertility makes up one of the components of sexual and reproductive health and rights, but is not as widely addressed as pregnancy, birth and contraception. Infertility is a global problem, and it is estimated that around 186 million individuals are affected worldwide. Infertility and infertility treatment has an impact on women’s overall wellbeing including their mental, emotional, sexual and spiritual health, and anxiety and depression is prevalent in these women.

Aim: The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of women going through infertility and infertility treatment in a global context.

Method: Metasynthesis with meta-ethnographic analysis design based on 19 qualitative research studies focusing on women’s experiences of infertility and IVF treatments.

Results: Three main themes were identified; The Personal Reproductive Trauma, The Impact of and on Relationships, and Being Failed by the Health Care System and Society. The subthemes included: purpose and existence, uncertainty and lack of control, the physical pain caused by invasive treatments and medication, loss and grief, loneliness and isolation, partnership support, sex life, lack of psychological support, not being fully informed, dehumanization and lack of compassion from healthcare professionals and lack of financial support.

Conclusion: Women going through infertility and infertility treatments experience grief, physical and emotional trauma, and isolation which affects their lives and wellbeing on many levels. It is critical that society and the health care system provides the support needed to both deal with involuntary childlessness and the treatment itself.