Infertility, mental disorders and well-being--a nationwide survey

Abstract

Objective: Earlier studies suggest that infertility and mental health problems are related and that infertility is a different experience for women and men. The aim of this population-based study is to examine mental disorders, depressivity, psychological distress, perceived health and quality of life among women and men who have experienced infertility.

Design: Cross-sectional nationwide Health 2000 Survey.

Setting: Population-based.

Population: A representative random sample of Finnish people aged 30-44 years (n = 2291).

Methods: Outcomes were compared between those who had experienced infertility (n = 338) and the rest of the population. Age, marital status, education, income, body mass index, and smoking were controlled for using logistic and linear regressions.

Main outcome measures: Mental disorders (composite international diagnostic interview, CIDI), depressivity (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI), psychological distress (general health questionnaire, GHQ-12), perceived health, and subjective quality of life.

Results: Approximately 20% of women and 9% of men reported having experienced infertility. Childless women with infertility experience had increased adjusted risks for dysthymia (OR 3.41, 95% CI; 1.01-11.5) and anxiety disorders (2.67, 1.00-7.12) compared to women who had not experienced infertility. Women with infertility experience but with a current child had an increased risk for panic disorder (2.58, 1.11-6.01). Childless men with infertility experience had a significantly poorer quality of life compared to men without infertility.

Conclusions: Infertility was associated with mental health, especially dysthymia and anxiety. The results differed by gender and the permanency of infertility. Gender-specific psychosocial support and follow-up for infertile people is warranted.