Psychological Issues and Interventions with Infertile Patients

Abstract

Of the estimated 10–15 percent of American couples who are infertile, approximately 50 percent will never bear children. Those who consult a psychotherapist have a wide range of both pragmatic and emotional needs. Psychotherapists can help women, men, and couples [gay or straight, married or unmarried] cope with infertility and sterility, as a transitory or permanent state. In this article I discuss issues relative to the marriage/relationship, sexual behavior and identity, exploration of outcome alternatives, parenting concerns, and the depression and anxiety that generally result from reproductive failure.

Key Words:

• Infertility
• marital relationships
• sexual relations
• motherhood role
• childlessness
• parenthood