Psychological aspects of in vitro fertilization: a gender comparison

This paper reports findings from a study investigating gender differences on the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and questionnaire ratings of the impact of in vitro fertilization (IVF), stressful aspects of treatment and reaction to a failed IVF attempt. The participants were 101 men and 117 women who were consecutive referrals to an IVF clinic. In line with previous research, women in comparison to men, rated IVF as having more impact upon emotional state. Scores on the GHQ were also consistent with greater emotional distress for women than men in relation to infertility diagnosis and treatment. With regard to the impact of IVF on the couple's sexual and marital relationship there were few gender differences, although both men and women felt that there was a greater likelihood that IVF had decreased the female partner's desire for sex. Both men and women agreed that a negative outcome and waiting for results were the most stressful aspects of IVF and, although the mean differences were again small, women reported experiencing more stress than men at a number of stages of treatment. Women were also more likely than men to endorse negative reactions in relation to IVF failure. The results are discussed in relation to counselling issues.