[Psychosocial background in sterility patients]

150 childless couples from the infertility clinic of the department of gynecology and obstetrics, University of Graz, received a questionnaire. Psychosocial factors and special problems of childless marriage represented the background at which the investigation was aimed. Of special interest were the reactions of the male partner regarding the andrological investigation within the gynecological department. The patients were confronted by a total of 41 questions. 15 of them were equal for both partners, whereas the male partner had to answer 11 additional questions. The questionnaire concerned problems such as interactions of the couple, motivations for the desire of children, psychosomatics, andrological investigation within the gynecological department and the organization of the andrological outpatient section. 72% of the questionnaires were returned. More than 50% of the sterile couples preferred to attend the infertility clinic together. 26% felt restrictions in their sexual behaviour due to the unrealized desire of children, 48% expected an improvement in their partnership if they could have children. 98% considered their childless marriage as a problem of both partners. The desire to set up a family ranks first on the list of motivations. The evaluation of the questionnaire yielded valuable results for the infertility clinic and especially for the andrological department. 72% of the andrological patients did not feel embarrassed by being evaluated and treated in a women's department. 63% preferred to attend the andrological department jointly with their wife.