Long-term infertile couples: a study of their well-being

The objective of the study was to investigate long-term infertile couples in regard to their well-being. The design of the study consisted of a structured questionnaire. Husband and wife answered a written questionnaire each in a different place in their home. Wives and husbands of 108 childless couples with a long-term infertility participated. Seven dimensions of (negative) well-being were measured: depression, anxiety, hostility, health complaints, guilt/blame, self-esteem and sexuality. Results showed that sexual behavior was (still) often ruled by the constraints of procreation. Also a third of the women reported as a consequence of infertility a low self-esteem concerning their womanhood. Infertile women were more anxious, more depressed, displayed more hostility and reported more health complaints. There was no similar difference between long-term infertile men and men in general. In conclusion long-term infertile women showed a significantly-lower level of well-being compared with women in general. A third of the infertile women and a fifth of the infertile men had serious well-being problems. This group can be considered as needing emotional help and counselling in learning to live with their childlessness.