Abstract
BackgroundThere is little empirical literature on the effects of infertility on marital relationships in Ghana. This study sought to examine the effects of infertility on marital relationship among fertility clients at a Public Hospital in Accra, Ghana.ResultsThe study revealed that infertility negatively affected the sexual life of participants as they generally reported that even though they still had regular sexual intercourse with their partners after realising they were infertile (61.6 %), sex was only for the purpose of reproduction and not for mutual sexual satisfaction (68.8 %). Sexual intercourse was reported to be unfulfilling as well as unenjoyable (64.3 %). The psychological well-being of participants (87.5 %) and stability within marital unions were also negatively affected by infertility, resulting in quarrels (72.3 %).ConclusionsInfertility has numerous negative implications for marital relationship. Thus, infertile persons should not be only physically examined and treated for infertility, but should also be given counselling to lessen the psychological trauma attached to infertility.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40738-015-0002-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
There is little empirical literature on the effects of infertility on marital relationships in Ghana
Infertility had a negative effect on the marital relationships of the infertile persons who attended the public health facility
The sexual life, communication in the marital relationships as well as the psychological well-being of the participants was strained as a consequence of infertility
Summary
There is little empirical literature on the effects of infertility on marital relationships in Ghana. Effects on stability of marital relationships The study further sought to assess the effects of infertility on the peace and stability in marital relationships of participants This was assessed in terms of existence of quarrels, fights and divorce threats using a 3-point Likert scale statements. About 72 % of the participants agreed that they had quarrelled with their partners over their infertility. More than half (54.4 %) of the participants disagreed that they had fought with their partners due to infertility while 42 % agreed to the statement and 3.6 % were uncertain. More than half (55.4 %) of the participants disagreed that their partners had threatened to divorce them due to their infertility. About 40 % agreed that their partners had threatened them with divorce while only a few were not certain
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