Infertility-related communication and coping strategies among women affected by primary or secondary infertility

Abstract

Aim and objectives: To explore infertility-related communication and coping strategies among women affected by primary or secondary fertility problems.

Background: Infertility is a worldwide problem and is experienced as psychologically stressful. Communication about infertility varies depending on clinical aspects, personal relationships and culture.

Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study design was used. One hundred and ninety-nine women affected by primary and secondary infertility were recruited from one fertility clinic in Stockholm. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The answers were compared across the two groups using the chi-squared test for independence.

Results: The majority of the women discussed infertility-related subjects with intimate friends and/or relatives and did not discuss the results of examinations and tests with people outside of the family. There were significant differences between the two groups. Twice as many women with secondary infertility acknowledged that they never talk about the causes or results of the tests and examinations with other people, compared with women with primary infertility. Approximately 25% of the women with primary infertility used distraction techniques, such as turning to work, as a coping strategy compared to women with secondary infertility (10%). Some women did not discuss the inability to conceive and reasons why they were childless with their spouses. Twelve percentage of the women reported that they left the room when the subjects of children were being discussed. Approximately 30% of the participants did not ask friends or relatives for advice and a few were not able to discuss how tests and treatments affected them emotionally.

Conclusion: This study indicates that a majority of infertile women discuss about infertility-related subjects with their spouses. However, they are less likely to discuss the reason for infertility and results of tests and examinations with people outside the family.

Relevance to the clinical practice: The result of the current study can be useful regarding interventions for women affected by primary or by secondary infertility. The healthcare staff must be alert and attentive to pay attention to these possible challenges. Identification of women at risk of developing emotional problems due to communication difficulties regarding infertility-related issues merits close attention.

Keywords: communication; coping; infertility; infertility investigations; women.