Infertility: intrapersonal and interpersonal impact

Abstract

Few experimentally rigorous studies have been conducted to determine the emotional impact of the infertility investigation on the infertile couple. In response to the deficit in rigorous experimental research, a longitudinal, exploratory study of 43 primary infertile couples was conducted. The study was conducted to determine if changes occurred in the marital relationships, sexual satisfaction, and levels of psychologic distress of the couples in the study as they progressed through the medical investigation of their infertility. Changes were assessed based on sex, diagnostic information, and time spent trying to conceive. Results indicated that significant distress was experienced by couples during the initial medical interview and at the time of diagnosis. Relationship quality did not appear to deteriorate as a result of the medical investigation; however, questions were raised regarding the sexual relationships of couples receiving an unexplained infertility diagnosis.