A Psychosocial Characterization of Infertile Couples before Surgical Treatment of the Female

Abstract

Social background and personality characteristics were examined in 30 infertile women with tubal damage and their 29 men. The emotional and social impact of their infertility was investigated using symptom checklists, the Eysenck Personality Inventory and interviews. The infertile couples did not differ with respect to psychosocial background, current life situation, neuroticism or personality characteristics when compared to psychologically normal controls. The infertility had severe emotional and social effects. Grief, depression, guilt, feelings of inferiority and isolation were commonly reported. The women openly admitted more symptoms than their men. Marital relationship was often affected and in particular the effect on sexual life was negative. Relatives and friends could not fulfill a supportive function, and all couples expressed their need for professional support and counselling.