Living with permanent infertility: A German study on attitudes toward motherhood in individuals with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) and Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser Syndrome (MRKHS)

Abstract

In this study the authors examined the issue of permanent infertility in two diagnoses of the diverse sex developments (DSD) spectrum: Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) and Mayer-Rokitansky-KÏster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKHS). The participants with CAIS (n = 12) was older, showed a lower wish for a child and was less distressed about their infertility compared to participants with MRKHS (n = 49). Our data indicated an “indifferent” attitude toward motherhood in CAIS and an “ambivalent” attitude in MRKHS. Depression was frequent in both. Infertility is a source of distress. However, the two groups seem to cope in different ways. Comprehensive medical information and psychological support should be provided.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the participants for their time and interest in taking part in the study.