The Pain of Infertility.
1Kathy Schoonover-Shoffner, PhD, RN , serves as the national director of Nurses Christian Fellowship USA, and Editor-in-Chief of JCN .
Summary
Infertility causes significant suffering for individuals and couples. Understanding this experience helps nurses provide better support and insights into personal and spiritual growth through infertility challenges.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Psychological Well-being
- Spiritual Care
Background:
- Infertility, the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term, is a distressing condition affecting many individuals and couples.
- The emotional and physical pain associated with infertility has been a longstanding human experience, documented throughout history, including in biblical narratives.
- Nurses play a crucial role in supporting patients experiencing infertility, yet a deeper understanding of their suffering is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an in-depth perspective on the lived experience of infertility.
- To enhance nurses' comprehension of the suffering associated with infertility.
- To identify helpful and unhelpful interventions and communication strategies for nurses caring for infertile patients.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative research approach.
- Exploration of personal and spiritual dimensions of infertility.
- Insider perspective on the patient experience.
Main Results:
- Infertility is an agonizing experience with profound personal and spiritual implications.
- Certain nursing actions and words can exacerbate patient suffering, while others offer significant support.
- The experience of infertility can lead to personal growth and spiritual insights.
Conclusions:
- Nurses require a nuanced understanding of infertility to provide effective and compassionate care.
- Interventions should focus on validating patient suffering and offering appropriate support.
- Acknowledging the potential for personal and spiritual development can aid in coping with infertility.
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