The impact of infertility on psychological functioning

To explore the impact of infertility on psychological functioning 130 couples presenting with primary infertility were assessed at their initial visit to an infertility clinic. Of these, 116 couples were assessed on a second occasion some 7-9 months later when in most cases the medical tests were complete. Measures of personality, psychopathology, perceived social support, sex role identity and marital state were obtained from both partners. The set was subsequently divided into five subgroups on the basis of the diagnosis made or the outcome (female cause, male cause, female and male cause, unexplained and pregnant). The results show little evidence of psychopathology in the sample, depression scores remained low throughout the period of investigation. The results also indicated stable marital relationships. Scores on tests of anxiety and psychiatric morbidity declined between the first and second assessment except in the case of men who were diagnosed with a fertility problem. The implications of these findings are discussed in the increased use of donor insemination which circumvents rather than treats the problem of male infertility.