Psychological Impact of Sub Fertility on the Couples

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the psychological aspect of subfertility and treatment on the couples. Methodology: This Prospective survey study was carried out in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at a private hospital in Lahore, Pakistan. 40 couples undergoing fertility treatment were enrolled. A Self-report questionnaire included age, level of education, social status, duration of marriage , duration of infertility, causes of infertility, duration of treatment, social stress, effect of infertility on marital relationship, expected likelihood of achieving pregnancy, anticipation of stress during treatment, and emotional reactions to infertility was given to all the participants of the study. Results: The majority (70%) of women undergoing fertility treatment were of ages 25-34 years. 62.5% couples were married for 1 to 5 years. Majority of couples were educated and belonged to the middle-class family. 55% had been undergoing treatment for 3 years and more. In half, the causes of infertility were known. 67.5% had failed treatment and 32.5% became pregnant with treatment. All the couples experienced emotional trauma with treatment and needed psychological help despite the outcome. 62.5% suffered with depression, 30% anxiety and 7.5% had anger. 15% women needed psychiatric medication besides counselling and behavioural therapy. 60% couples had sexual dysfunction leading to marital problems. 80% couples complained of behaviour changes. Specific questionnaires were structured for assessing different psychological aspects on infertile women, men or couples. The hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and demographic and fertility information questionnaire was given to all infertile couples. The psychological impact was more on females 82.5% compared to males 17.5%. All the couples underwent social pressure. Conclusions: Psychological factors play an important role in the infertility. It is important to manage this devastating problem, which has cultural and social impact.