Psychosocial Concomitants of Infertility: A Narrative Review

Infertility is a distressing and challenging condition that poses a significant social and public health concern. Among individuals of reproductive age, awareness of the factors associated with infertility is crucial. The prevalence of infertility has evolved over time, with distinct trends observable both globally and within India.  The primary objective of the study was to highlight the psychological and social factors associated with infertility. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to examine the psychological and social factors related to infertility. The electronic databases utilized for this search included PubMed and Google Scholar. The findings from the selected studies were synthesized into a narrative review. A total of 46 studies investigating the concomitants of infertility were analyzed. Among them, 32 studies focused on psychological aspects, while 14 addressed social factors. The psychological aspects covered in the studies included quality of life (QoL), anxiety and depression, gender differences, psychiatric disorders, coping mechanisms, and subjective well-being. The social factors examined included partner dynamics - further categorized into sociodemographic influences, marital adjustment, and violence against women - family cohesion, lack of awareness, and socio-environmental influences. This review provides an overview of the psychological and social dimensions of infertility, while also identifying gaps in existing research. It underscores the need for further studies, particularly focusing on rural populations, increasing awareness among men, and understanding the impact of infertility-related violence. Ultimately, the research highlights the complexity of infertility and emphasizes the importance of continued research and intervention efforts to address its multifaceted implications.