Defining infertility: a qualitative interview study of patients and physicians

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Medical Sociology
• Patient-Physician Communication

Background:

• Infertility is a complex condition impacting millions globally.
• The conceptualization of infertility influences patient experiences and healthcare approaches.
• Understanding patient and physician perspectives is crucial for effective care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if infertility patients and physicians use a biomedical disease model for infertility.
• To examine conflicts and agreements in their conceptualizations of infertility.
• To explore concordance and discordance between patient and physician views on infertility as a disease.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 20 infertility patients and 18 infertility physicians.
• Exploration of conceptualizations of infertility and reactions to its definition as a disease.
• Assessment of perceived benefits and concerns regarding a disease label for infertility.

Main Results:

• Physician support for defining infertility as a disease (14/18) exceeded patient support (6/20).
• Both groups recognized benefits like increased funding and insurance coverage.
• Patients (10/20) noted potential stigma, and both groups (7 physicians, 8 patients) invoked religious/spiritual concepts.

Conclusions:

• Findings challenge the assumption of universal support for classifying infertility as a disease.
• Potential benefits of a disease label exist, but concerns about stigma and spirituality are significant.
• A more holistic model for understanding and managing infertility may be more appropriate.