[Psychological aspects of infertile couples in China]

From March 1991 to February 1992, a psychological interview survey was performed among 652 women and 425 of their husbands who came to the Female Infertility Clinic in PUMC Hospital to seek consultation and treatment for their infertility. The results showed that more than 80 percent of the couples had been tolerating various psychological stresses caused by infertility. Disapproval was the most common feeling. The couples' emotion was influenced by each other. Emotional scores of husbands and wives were significantly positive correlated (P < 0.001). However, men are more capable to cope with this problem than women. Men's attitude to infertility is more positive and optimistic than women. There is no significant difference between women and men in their attitude to the treatment and forecasting of prognosis. Cultural background is a major factor associated with psychological stresses of infertile couples. Infertility has more severe impact on people living in rural areas as well as ones with lower level education. Infertility also affected couple's sexual and marital relationships. The relationship between women and their parents in-laws became worse among 8.6 percent of infertile women. About one-third of female participants thought the examination and the treatment for infertility also developed some emotional stresses and psychological burdens. Infertility may create various psychological stresses and influence the effect of treatment. Therefore, the management of infertility should not only include physical treatment but also understanding, sympathy and support, all above should not be neglected.