Psychological status of previously infertile couples after a successful pregnancy

Potential long-term effects of psychological dysfunction associated with infertility were investigated in a descriptive study of 32 previously infertile couples. Comparison was made with the performance of 20 never infertile couples matched for age, number of children, education, and income level, using a standard psychological assessment tool, the Hopkins symptom check list. While infertile, women had slightly elevated mean scores on three subscales: depression, interpersonal sensitivity, and hostility. After resolution of infertility, these scores did not improve. In addition, depression scores were elevated among the previously infertile women compared with a matched, never infertile group. Infertile men scored within the normal range for depression and interpersonal sensitivity and had a borderline mean score for hostility, which was markedly reduced after a normal pregnancy.