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The impact of infertility on psychological functioning
K J Connolly1, R J Edelmann, I D Cooke
1Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, U.K.
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Infertility impacts couples' psychological health, with anxiety and psychiatric issues declining over time, except for men diagnosed with fertility problems. Stable marital relationships were observed throughout the study.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Infertility affects a significant number of couples globally.
- Psychological distress is a common concern for individuals experiencing infertility.
- Understanding the psychological impact is crucial for providing comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the psychological functioning of couples experiencing primary infertility.
- To assess changes in psychological measures over a 7-9 month period.
- To examine the influence of infertility diagnosis and outcome on psychological well-being.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 130 couples presenting with primary infertility.
- Psychological assessments including personality, psychopathology, social support, and marital state.
- Subgroup analysis based on diagnosis (female, male, combined, unexplained) and pregnancy outcome.
Main Results:
- Low levels of psychopathology and stable depression scores were observed.
- Anxiety and psychiatric morbidity scores decreased for most individuals over time.
- Men diagnosed with a fertility problem showed an exception, with no decline in anxiety or morbidity.
Conclusions:
- Infertility does not necessarily lead to significant psychopathology or marital instability in the short term.
- Male infertility diagnosis may be associated with persistent psychological distress.
- The findings suggest a need for targeted psychological support, especially for men with male-factor infertility, and highlight the role of assisted reproductive technologies like donor insemination.