Psychosocial Concomitants of Infertility: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Infertility is a growing public health concern affecting individuals of reproductive age.
• Awareness of infertility's prevalence and associated factors is crucial globally and in India.
• Psychological and social dimensions significantly contribute to the infertility experience.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the psychological and social factors associated with infertility.
• To synthesize existing research on the concomitants of infertility.
• To identify research gaps in understanding infertility's multifaceted implications.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar.
• Findings from 46 selected studies were synthesized into a narrative review.
• Studies focused on psychological (32) and social (14) factors related to infertility.

Main Results:

• Psychological factors include quality of life, anxiety, depression, coping, and well-being.
• Social factors encompass partner dynamics, marital adjustment, violence against women, family cohesion, and awareness.
• Significant research exists on psychological aspects, with a smaller focus on social determinants.

Conclusions:

• Infertility presents complex psychological and social challenges.
• Further research is needed on rural populations, male awareness, and infertility-related violence.
• Continued research and interventions are essential to address the multifaceted implications of infertility.