Researchers studied how couples preparing for in vitro fertilization (IVF) used a smartphone app designed to help them live healthier lives. While 106 couples tried the app and said it was easy to use and helpful, most didn’t actually use it much. Men used it less than women, but couples were more likely to stick with it when both partners used the app together. The study suggests that to make these apps work better, they need to feel more personal and connect better with partners and doctors.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How often couples actually used a health app designed to help them prepare for IVF treatment, and whether they liked using it
  • Who participated: 106 heterosexual couples (212 people total) who were going through IVF treatment and used the PreLiFe app for anywhere from 2 days to a full year
  • Key finding: Only about half the women (49%) and less than one-fifth of the men (19%) used all the app’s features. However, couples were much more likely to keep using the app when both partners used it together, especially during actual fertility treatment.
  • What it means for you: If you’re considering using a health app with your partner during fertility treatment, you’re more likely to stick with it if you both commit to using it together. However, apps need better features to keep people engaged long-term.

The Research Details

This study used a mixed methods approach, which means researchers looked at both numbers and personal stories. They tracked how often 106 couples actually opened and used the PreLiFe app over time. They also asked couples to fill out online surveys rating how much they liked the app and whether they felt supported by their partners. Finally, they interviewed 10 couples in depth to understand their personal experiences with the app.

The researchers measured three things: actual usage patterns (how often people opened the app), acceptability (whether people thought it was good), and partner support (whether couples felt they were helping each other). This combination let them see both what people actually did and what they thought about doing it.

Understanding why people don’t use health apps is important because an app that nobody uses can’t help anyone get healthier. By looking at both the numbers and hearing from real users, researchers can figure out what features work and what needs to change. This is especially important for couples going through fertility treatment, who are already stressed and need support.

This study has some strengths: it tracked real app usage automatically (not just asking people to remember), it included both partners’ perspectives, and it combined numbers with personal interviews. However, the in-depth interviews only included 10 people, which is a small number. The study was also done in one country with one specific app, so results might be different in other places or with different apps.

What the Results Show

The biggest finding was that actual app use was much lower than expected. Only about half of the women and less than one-fifth of the men used all the app’s features. On average, couples used the app for about 3 months, but this varied widely—some used it for just 2 days while others used it for a full year.

When researchers looked at what made people more likely to use the app, two things stood out: First, if both partners in a couple used the app, they were both more likely to keep using it. Second, people used the app more during their actual fertility treatment than at other times. This makes sense because people are probably more motivated to make healthy changes when they’re actively trying to get pregnant.

When asked to rate the app on a scale of 1 to 10, people gave it an average score of 6, which is decent but not great. Most people said the app was easy to use and that they felt supported by their partners while using it. This is interesting because it means people liked the app even though they didn’t use it much.

The interviews with 10 couples revealed that people found the app straightforward and not confusing. Couples appreciated that they could use it together and support each other. However, people mentioned that they needed more reasons to keep opening the app and using it regularly. Some couples felt like the app wasn’t personalized enough to their specific situation.

This study fits with what other researchers have found: health apps often have a problem where people download them, think they’re good, but then stop using them. This is called the ’engagement problem.’ The finding that couples are more likely to use apps together matches previous research showing that partner support helps people stick with health changes. However, this study is one of the first to look specifically at apps for couples going through fertility treatment.

The study only looked at one app in one country, so results might be different with other apps or in other places. The detailed interviews only included 10 couples, which is a small number for understanding personal experiences. We don’t know if the couples who agreed to be interviewed were different from those who didn’t. Also, the study didn’t follow people long enough to see if using the app actually helped them get pregnant or improve their health.

The Bottom Line

If you and your partner are preparing for IVF, a health app may be helpful, but success depends on both of you committing to use it together. Look for apps that let you interact with each other and that feel personalized to your situation. Moderate confidence: Apps can help, but they work best as part of a bigger plan that includes talking with your doctor and making lifestyle changes together.

This research is most relevant for couples preparing for fertility treatment who want to improve their health habits. It’s also important for app developers and doctors who recommend these apps. If you’re not in a relationship or not planning fertility treatment, this specific app may not be for you, but the findings about partner support could apply to other health apps.

Don’t expect immediate results. The couples in this study used the app for an average of 3 months. If you’re going to try a health app, plan to use it for at least 2-3 months to see if it helps you build better habits. Remember that the app is a tool to support your health—it’s not a replacement for talking with your doctor.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly app usage minutes for both partners and set a goal of 20-30 minutes per week together. Log this in your health app alongside other fertility-related activities like exercise, sleep, and nutrition.
  • Schedule a specific time each week (like Sunday evening) when both partners sit down together for 15 minutes to review the app’s suggestions and pick one healthy habit to focus on that week. This turns solo app use into a couple’s activity.
  • Create a simple shared calendar or checklist where both partners mark off days they used the app together. Review this monthly to see if you’re staying consistent, and adjust your approach if engagement drops. Connect app usage to other health metrics you’re tracking (weight, exercise, sleep) to see if the app is helping.

This research describes how couples used a fertility app, but it does not prove that using the app will help you get pregnant or improve your health outcomes. The study was small and focused on one specific app. Before starting any new health program or app during fertility treatment, talk with your doctor or fertility specialist. This information is educational and should not replace professional medical advice. Individual results may vary, and what works for one couple may not work for another.