Infertility, mental disorders and well-being--a nationwide survey

Earlier studies suggest that infertility and mental health problems are related and that infertility is a different experience for women and men. The aim of this population-based study is to examine mental disorders, depressivity, psychological distress, perceived health and quality of life among women and men who have experienced infertility.

Cross-sectional nationwide Health 2000 Survey.

Population-based.

A representative random sample of Finnish people aged 30-44 years (n = 2291).

Outcomes were compared between those who had experienced infertility (n = 338) and the rest of the population. Age, marital status, education, income, body mass index, and smoking were controlled for using logistic and linear regressions.

Mental disorders (composite international diagnostic interview, CIDI), depressivity (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI), psychological distress (general health questionnaire, GHQ-12), perceived health, and subjective quality of life.

Approximately 20% of women and 9% of men reported having experienced infertility. Childless women with infertility experience had increased adjusted risks for dysthymia (OR 3.41, 95% CI; 1.01-11.5) and anxiety disorders (2.67, 1.00-7.12) compared to women who had not experienced infertility. Women with infertility experience but with a current child had an increased risk for panic disorder (2.58, 1.11-6.01). Childless men with infertility experience had a significantly poorer quality of life compared to men without infertility.

Infertility was associated with mental health, especially dysthymia and anxiety. The results differed by gender and the permanency of infertility. Gender-specific psychosocial support and follow-up for infertile people is warranted.