Psychiatric aspects of infertility and infertility treatments

Abstract

Infertility counseling, whether provided by a psychiatrist or another health care professional, involves the treatment and care of patients, not simply when they are undergoing fertility treatment but also with their long-term emotional well-being, and that of their children and the reproductive helpers who may assist them in achieving biologic or reproductive parenthood. They can educate patients about the side effects of infertility treatment medications and the impact of hormone shifts on psychologic well-being. They are also helpful with differential diagnoses among grief, depressions, and stress; in assessing psychologic preparedness; and in determining the acceptability and suitability of gamete donation, a gestational carrier, or surrogacy as a family-building alternative for individuals, couples, and reproductive collaborators.