Psychological Aspects Of Infertility Research Articles

Psychological aspects of infertility.

The unfulfilled desire for children is a significant problem worldwide. The psychological effects of this development are usually underestimated, while the myth of "psychogenic infertility" stubbornly persists. This article first provides an overview of the basic facts on the subject before highlighting the psychological effects of both the diagnosis of infertility and the therapeutic options. Psychological aspects of "third-party" reproduction and further developments after childbirth or without a child are discussed, followed by a brief outline of the general and specific subject matter addressed in infertility counselling. The article concludes with reflections on the possible psychological consequences of further medical developments in this area.

Infertility in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): a challenge to overcome

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of chronic digestive disorders that affects an increasing number of people. As the peak incidence of IBD occurs during the reproductive age and affects young people, it is worth examining the impact of IBD on the fertility of patients. In view of the growing problem of infertility in society and the probable relationship between decreased reproductive function and the occurrence of chronic diseases, it is reasonable to examine this phenomenon in detail.
 Objective: The aim of this study is to summarize the current knowledge on the association between IBD and infertility based on available literature.
 Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases with the following search terms: IBD, infertility, infertility diagnosis, the relationship between IBD and infertility, drugs and infertility, psychological aspects of infertility in IBD.
 State of knowledge: There are few meta-analyses on the association between IBD and infertility in the literature, and this is due to the small number of studies on this topic.
 Conclusions: Infertility is becoming an increasingly common problem in people with IBD. Stress and anxiety disorders can have a negative impact on the course of the disease, and thus limit reproductive opportunities. Taking medications to control the course of the disease is crucial for patients to remain in remission, however, patients should be informed about the impact of some medications on reproduction and adjust their conception plans according to their current therapy. Treatment of the underlying disease, reducing anxiety levels, regular physical activity, and a healthy and balanced diet are all components of appropriate management in people with IBD who are trying to conceive. Without these pillars, it is difficult to guarantee successful pregnancy outcomes.

Psychological Aspects of Infertility - Results from an Actor-Partner Interdependence Analysis.

Introduction For some patients, undergoing medical treatment for infertility is a cause of major emotional stress which the couple needs to deal with together; it can be said that infertility is a shared stressor. From the literature it is known that a subjectively perceived sense of self-efficacy supports the patient's ability to cope adaptively with an illness. As the basis for this study, we assumed that high levels of self-efficacy are associated with low psychological risk scores (e.g., for anxiety or depressiveness), both in the patient themselves and in their partner. Accordingly, in infertility patients, targeted support to promote helpful self-efficacy expectations could represent a new counselling strategy that could enable psychologically vulnerable patients to better cope with the treatment procedure and treatment failures of medically assisted reproduction, making these patients less at risk with regard to psychosocial factors. Methods 721 women and men attending five fertility centers in Germany (Heidelberg, Berlin), Austria (Innsbruck), and Switzerland (St. Gallen, Basel) completed the SCREENIVF-R questionnaire to identify psychological risk factors for amplified emotional problems, as well as the ISE scale to measure self-efficacy. Using paired t-tests and the actor-partner interdependence model, we analyzed the data of 320 couples. Results Considering the study participants as couples, women had a higher risk score than men for four out of five risk factors (depressiveness, anxiety, lack of acceptance, helplessness). In all of the risk areas, it was possible to identify a protective effect from self-efficacy on the patient's own risk factors (actor effect). There was a negative correlation between the men's self-efficacy level and the women's feelings of depressiveness and helplessness (partner effect, man → woman). The women's self-efficacy levels had a positive correlation with acceptance and access to social support in the men (partner effect, woman → man). Conclusion Because infertility is generally something that a couple has to deal with together, future studies should focus on couples as the unit of analysis instead of just analyzing the men and women separately. In addition, couples therapy should be the gold standard in psychotherapy for infertility patients.

Психологические аспекты вспомогательных репродуктивных технологий: обзор зарубежных и Российских исследований

The article provides an overview of modern foreign studies on the psychological aspects of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). Research areas have been identified: ethical issues of ART methods; psychological aspects of infertility; psychological factors of treatment; psychological intervention during treatment; methodological research apparatus; methods of psychological assistance to ART patients. The article introduces paradigm shifts from the psychological causes of infertility to the psychological consequences of infertility and treatment problems. The results of the studies indicate the ambiguity of the relationship of negative mental states of patients with the success of treatment. The lack of elaborated methodological foundations and theoretical approaches to this problem in foreign studies is noted, in contrast to national works based on the theory of functional systems, the doctrine of the dominant and modern perinatal and reproductive psychology.

Psychological aspects of infertility. A systematic review.

ObjectiveFertility may be defined as a capacity to conceive and produce offspring. Infertility is characterized by failure to establish a clinical pregnancy after 12 months of regular and unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility concerns an estimated 8–12% of the global population, and is associated with factors including time of unwanted non-conception, age of female partner and number of diseases impacting fertility. Unexplained infertility is described as idiopathic. This study aimed to analyse and evaluate the influence of mental disorders, often considered as reasons for idiopathic infertility, on female and male fertility, including stress, depression, sleep and eating disorders, and addictions.MethodsThis systematic review comprised a search of MEDLINE, Cochrane and PubMed databases for relevant articles that were analysed by two independent reviewers.ResultsA total of 106 articles published between 1955–2019 were included. Mental disorders modify endocrine gland and immune system functioning at both the tissue and cellular level, and are negatively associated with female and male fertility.ConclusionMental disorders may negatively impact female and male fertility. Further studies are required to explain the exact role and contribution of mental disorders to fertility.

Psychological aspects of infertility: A comparative study

Introduction: Psychosocial aspects of infertility in couples are of much relevance. This paper attempts to compare psychological factors that may play a role in couples with and without infertility. The main objectives are to examine the differences concerning marital quality, attachment styles, and defense styles of infertile and fertile couples. Methods: A total of 60 individuals (30 infertile couples and 30 matched fertile couples) were assessed through administering the personal information schedule, Marital Quality Scale, Attachment Style Questionnaire, and Defense Style Questionnaire-40. General Health Questionnaire-28 was administered in the fertile couples to rule out psychiatric morbidity. Results: Statistical analyses revealed that infertile couples differed from fertile couples on marital quality dimensions of understanding, satisfaction, trust, role functioning, despair, and rejection. On the attachment style, component of preoccupation with relationships and the use of immature defenses such as acting out and displacement. Conclusions: This research identified several psychological dimensions related to fertility. Understanding these factors may be helpful for the couples, their family members, and practitioners, with regard to the psychological and social needs related to infertility.

Psychological Adjustment of Infertile Men Undergoing Fertility Treatments: An Association With Sperm Parameters

BackgroundThe difficulties in the psychological adaptation to the infertility diagnosis and assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments have shown influence on the sperm quality. The biological and psychological aspects of infertility seem not to be independent. ObjectiveTo analyze the impact of depressive symptoms, anxiety, dyadic adjustment and infertility stress on the sperm quality of the men proposed to ART first or repeated experience. Materials and MethodsThis transversal study was conducted in the Medically Assisted Reproduction Unit of Centro Hospitalar de São João, in Porto, Portugal. 112 men with infertility diagnosis were included to initiate an ART cycle. Participants completed the Inventory State–Trait Anxiety-Form Y (STAI-Y), the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and the Inventory of Fertility Problems (IFP) before the beginning of the treatment. ResultsThe state-anxiety had a negative linear impact on the slow progressive motility (p<0.05). However, depressive symptoms assumed a suppressor effect on this variable, enhancing its importance as a predictor. ConclusionResults show that psychopathological symptoms before an ART cycle can influence the sperm motility. However, this association seems to only be present in men undergoing first experience ART treatments. Thus, this research shows the need for mental health professionals to respond to emotional difficulties of the male gender, through the development of psychological interventions adjusted, so as to minimize the impact of exposure to ART treatments.

Psychological aspects of infertility: Results of a Hungarian pilot study

Háttér és célkitűzések: vizsgálatunk célja magyar mintán ellenőrizni a meddőség pszichés vonatkozásait feltáró eddigi, nemzetközi eredményeket. Módszer: 75 fős (63 nő, 12 férfi), magyar, kényelmi, keresztmetszeti minta felmérése történt önkitöltős, részben sztenderdizált kérdőívekkel. Eredmények: a vizsgált nők depresszióértékei szignifikánsan magasabbak a Hungarostudy Epidemiológiai Panelvizsgálat országos reprezentatív vizsgálatban talált, nőkre vonatkozó, 2006-os pontszámoknál (BDI-S; átlag (M)=13,9; szórás(SD)=13,4; vs. M=9,7; SD=11,9; p&lt;0,05). Az élet értelmességének mértéke szignifikánsan alacsonyabb az átlagnépesség sztenderdjeinél (BSCI-LM-7, M=8,9; SD=3,2; vs. M=9,9; SD=2,8; p&lt;0,05). Állapot- és vonásszorongásszintjük azonban nem különbözik ezektől (rendre p=0,205 és p=0,477). A férfiak semmilyen mutató mentén nem tértek el az országos átlagoktól. Mintánkon belül sem a nem, sem az életkor, egy gyermek léte vagy a meddőség hossza, diagnózisa, a kezelések mennyisége és minősége nem látszott befolyásolni a lelkiállapotot. Szignifikánsan magasabb volt mind az állapot-, mind a vonásszorongása azoknak a nőknek, akik spontán vetélést éltek át, szemben azokkal, akiknek nem volt vetélésük, vagy terhesség-megszakításuk (is) volt (STAI-S; M=49,5; SD=13,8; vs. M=41,4; SD=11,9; p&lt;0,05; / STAI-T; M=47,4; SD=11,6; vs. M=41,5; SD=10,4; p&lt;0,05). Azok a med-dők, akik nem hisznek egy transzcendens hatalom létében vagy bizonytalanok, szignifikánsan magasabb depresszió-pontszámot értek el azoknál, akik hisznek (BDI-S, M=17,1; SD=15,1; vs. M=10,0; SD=10,1; p&lt;0,05). A válaszadók 44%-a hiányolja a meddőségi centrumokban a pszicho-lógiai segítségnyújtást. Következtetések: a pilot-vizsgálat alátámasztja a nemzetközi eredményeket, miszerint a termékenységre várók lényegesen lehangoltabbak és életüket kevésbé érzik értelmesnek a ter-mékenységi nehézségekkel nem küzdőknél. Ez megfontolandóvá teszi a meddőségi kezelések során nyújtott pszichés támogatás beépítését a szakmai protokollba.

The psychological aspects of infertility: a review of the literature

Jelen tanulmány a meddőség pszichés vonatkozásairól szóló jelentősebb kutatások eredményeit foglalja össze. Ebből a célból főleg az angol nyelvű adatbázisokban elérhető tanulmányokat tekintettük át szisztematikus kulcsszókereséses módszerrel, de támaszkodtunk a magyar szakirodalomra is. A legvilágosabban kirajzolódó következtetés az, hogy a meddőség lelki előzményei és következményei nehezen választhatók szét. Nincs megdönthetetlen bizonyíték arra nézve, hogy a stressz, a szorongás és a lehangoltság önmagában meddőséget okozna, de számos jel utal rá, hogy hozzájárul és együtt jár a terméketlenséggel. Hasonlóképpen nehéz elkülöníteni, hogy a pszichés hatások maga a meddőség vagy a megterhelő asszisztált reprodukciós beavatkozások következményei. Vegyesek a tapasztalatok arra nézve is, hogy a pszichoterápiát milyen mértékben veszik igénybe a páciensek, illetve ez mennyiben járul hozzá a beavatkozások sikeréhez, de egyetlen általunk ismert tanulmány sem kérdőjelezi meg, hogy pszichés támogatásra a meddőség kezelése során szükség van. A spirituális dimenzió és a meddőség kapcsolata kevéssé kutatott téma, de néhány tanulmány a vallásos megküzdési módok bevonását is indokoltnak tartja a meddőség kezelésébe. A magyarországi gyakorlatban mindez ma még nem magától értetődő. Összességében a tanulmány a meddőség cirkuláris oksági, rendszerszemléletű megközelítése mellett érvel.

Parenting After Infertility

This article reviews the research related to parenting after assisted reproduction and uses that research to discuss clinical implications for nurses who work to support these families and the development of their children. The worldwide diagnosis of infertility continues to rise and now hovers near 20%. The increased availability and success of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) provides a potential option for infertile families to conceive and begin a family, but as nurses know, infertility treatments are not easy to tolerate, are time-consuming, physically taxing, and expensive. In addition, a positive outcome is far from guaranteed. Even when infertile couples successfully give birth, they can continue to struggle with the psychological aspects of infertility and the ongoing care of a child who may be premature, low birth weight, or afflicted with another high-risk condition such as long-term developmental or behavioral problems. Unfortunately, the psychological needs of the couple and the family may not be addressed during ART treatment or after the birth of a child. Parenting is a challenging life task; parenting when the partners may have to work through the psychological aspects of infertility and the care of a high-risk child is even more complex and may have long-lasting effects on the partners as well as their children.

Inconceivable Conceptions: Psychological Aspects of Infertility and Reproductive Technology

Inconceivable Conceptions: Psychological Aspects of Infertility and Reproductive Technology

In memoriam: Celso-Ramon Garcia, M.D. (1922–2004), reproductive medicine visionary

This article traces the career of Celso-Ramon Garcia (1922–2004), noted physician, educator, and internationally renowned pioneer in the field of reproductive endocrinology. His work helped to formulate oral contraceptives used by millions of women throughout the world. Garcia's research collaborators included Gregory Pincus and John Rock, who together finalized the landmark clinical data needed to secure initial FDA approval for "the pill" in 1960. In addition to Garcia's monumental work in contraceptive endocrinology, his scholarly interests encompassed physiology of the menopause, minimally invasive reproductive surgery, as well as psychological aspects of infertility. Closely identified with the University of Pennsylvania, Garcia was instrumental in establishing the first formal clinical program in reproductive biology and influenced countless young scientists whose training he supervised and mentored. His distinguished career was emblematic of the best of the medical profession, characterized by compassion, intellect, and a sincere desire to help others. Our manuscript outlines Garcia's wide range of interests, acknowledges his superior fund of knowledge, and honors his humanitarian spirit – all of which contributed to an impressive legacy of medical discoveries. The impact of Prof. Garcia's work will continue to be felt for many years.

Book Review: Inconceivable Conceptions. Psychological Aspects of Infertility and Reproductive Technology

Book Review: Inconceivable Conceptions. Psychological Aspects of Infertility and Reproductive Technology

Inconceivable Conceptions: Psychological Aspects of Infertility and Reproductive Technology Edited by Jane Haynes and Juliet Miller

Inconceivable Conceptions: Psychological Aspects of Infertility and Reproductive Technology Edited by Jane Haynes and Juliet Miller

Survey of Psychological Health in Women with Infertility

The aims of this study were to assess mental well-being in women undergoing investigation and initial management of infertility and to determine any specific factors, such as the duration or type of infertility, that might be associated with an increased risk of psychological morbidity. A postal survey was sent to 1080 women with infertility attending gynecology outpatient departments in 12 Scottish centres. The survey included the Twelve-Item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and three multi-item scales from the Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). The response rate was 47.4% (512/1080) of which 507 completed the GHQ-12. Of the 507 CHQ-12 responders, 32.5% had a CHQ-12 score of ≥ 8/12 suggesting they were at risk of clinically significant psychological disturbance. There were no Significant associations between CHQ-12 scores and duration of infertility, the presence of existing children, or the cause of infertility. GHQ-12 scores significantly increased with the number of clinic attendances and decreased as the patient's age increased. Responders scored significantly lower on all aspects of the selected SF-36 questions as compared to published population data, suggesting poorer mental health. These standardized psychological instruments suggest that approximately 32% of women in the early stages of infertility management may be at risk of developing clinically relevant mental health problems. Psychological aspects of infertility should be addressed as part of a more holistic approach to management of these patients.

Medical and Psychological Aspects of Infertility and Assisted Reproductive Technology for the Primary Care Provider

Couples attempting to conceive are requiring more assisted reproductive technology. Infertility may be associated with delayed onset of marriage and childbearing, smoking and alcohol excess, physiological factors such as endometriosis and varicocele, or a cause that is not identified. The psychological needs of couples, however, are often overlooked. Primary care providers can serve as the initial information source and guide for the couple struggling with infertility. In a managed care environment, a primary care provider can provide a considerable amount of education, referral for stress management and counseling, and a small portion of the medical evaluation before referring to a reproductive specialist. This overview is intended to help primary care providers and couples achieve an educated and less stressful assisted reproductive technology experience. It is not meant to circumvent the need for immediate referral to a reproductive specialist for evaluation and treatment of this very complex intervention.

Psychological Aspects of Infertility

AbstractThe science of infertility has advanced rapidly over the past decade, in many respects without regard to the enormous demands that are placed on all participants undergoing an infertility work-up and treatment. Among these demands are a variety of potential psychological effects that must be addressed in the initial patient visit with continued counseling throughout the infertility work-up process. This article reviews the psychological factors that may affect individual patients and couples experiencing infertility, with special attention given to the common manifestations of stress. The need for physicians to provide early and ongoing attention to emotions is emphasized, and a biopsychosocial approach to infertility evaluations is outlined.

Psykologiska aspekter på infertilitet

Haggdahl, E.-S. (1990). Psychological aspects of infertility. Nordisk Psykologi, 42, 334–347. Among couples at a fertile age, 10–22% are considered to have difficulties in conceiving or carrying a pregnancy to its end. These circumstances have led to increased research on solutions to the problem of infertility. A historical retrospect and a global approach point out the significance of infertility during other times and in other cultures. In particular, psychoanalytic theories have discussed the causes of infertility. These theories focus on conditions in the individual's life that contribute to sexuality, sexual identity, pregnancy or parenthood as associated with fear/danger, guilt and/or aggression. In this paper the psychological consequences of infertility are discussed in terms of a crisis. Emotional reactions, physical experience, sexual functioning, the relations between man and woman, social interaction and existential structure are discussed. Finally, this paper presents a brief description of ...