241
Views
13
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Article

Human infertility: is medical treatment enough? A cross-sectional study of a sample of Italian couples

, &
Pages 158-167 | Received 14 Oct 2009, Accepted 20 Apr 2010, Published online: 23 Jun 2010

References

  • World Health Organization, resolution WHA57.12: Fifty-seventh world health assembly. Reproductive health: draft strategy to accelerate progress towards the attainment of international development goals and targets 2004.
  • Glasier A, Moreno CG, Van Look PFA. Sexual reproductive health: a matter of life and death. Lancet 2006;368:1595–1607.
  • Bunting L, Boivin J. Knowledge about infertility risk factors, fertility myths and illusory benefits of healthy habits in young people. Hum Reprod 2008;23:1858–1864.
  • Hassan MAM, Killick SR. Negative lifestyle is associated with a significant reduction in fecundity. Fertil Steril 2004;81:384–392.
  • Liefbroer AC. The impact of perceived costs and rewards of childbearing on entry into parenthood: evidence from a panel study. Eur J Popul 2005;21:367–391.
  • Leridon H. Reproduction and demography in Europe. Int Congr Ser 2005;1279:68–74.
  • Leridon H. Sterility and subfecundity: from silence to impatience? Population 1992;4:35–54.
  • Matthews AM, Matthews R. Beyond the mechanics of infertility: perspectives on the social psychology of infertility and involuntary childlessness. Fam Relat 1986;35:479–487.
  • Place I, Laruelle C, Kennof B, Revelard P, Englert Y. Quel soutien les couples en traitement de FIV attendant-ils de l'équipe soignante? Enquéte et pistes de reflexion. Gynécol Obstét Fertil 2002;30:224–230.
  • Schmidt L. Psychosocial burden of infertility and assisted reproduction. Lancet 2006;367:379–380.
  • Sundby J. Sad not to have children, happy to be childless: a personal and professional experience of infertility. Reprod Health Matters 1999;13:13–19.
  • Siedentopf F, Kentenich H. Emotional aspects of assisted reproductive medicine. J Psychosom Obst Gyn 2001;22:181–185 (quotation from p. 181).
  • van Balen F, Verdurmen J, Ketting E. Choices and motivations of infertile couples. Patient Educ Couns 1997;31:19–27.
  • Kupka MS, Dorn C, Richter O, Schmutzler A, van der Ven H, Kulczycki A. Stress relief after infertility treatment, spontaneous conception, adoption and psychological counselling. Eur J Obstet Gyn R B 2003;110:190–195.
  • Van den Akker OBA. Adoption in the age of reproductive technology. J Reprod Infant Psyc 2001;19:147–159.
  • Spar LD. Baby business. Harvard Business School Publishing Corporation: Sperling & Kupfer; Boston, MA, USA, 2006.
  • Andersen AN, Goossens V, Ferraretti AP, Bhattacharya S, Felderbaum R, de Mouzon J, et al The European IVF-monitoring (EIM) consortium, for the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embriology (ESHRE) Assisted reproductive technology in Europe, 2004: results generated from European registers by ESHRE. Hum Reprod 2008;23:757–771.
  • Greil AL. Infertility and psychological distress: a critical review of the literature. Soc Sci Med 1997;45:1679–1704.
  • Lee T-Y, Sun G-H, Chao S-C. The effect of an infertility diagnosis on the distress, marital and sexual satisfaction between husbands and wives in Taiwan. Hum Reprod 2001;16:1762–1767.
  • Whiteford LM, Gonzales L. Stigma: the hidden burden of infertility. Soc Sci Med 1995;40:27–36.
  • Berghuis JP, Stanton A. Adjustment to a dyadic stressor: a longitudinal study of coping and depressive symptoms in infertile couples over an insemination attempt. J Consult Clin Psych 2002;70:433–438.
  • Cwikel J, Gidron Y, Sheiner E. Psychological interactions with infertility among women. Eur J Obstet Gyn R B 2004;117:126–131.
  • Volgsten H, Svanberg AS, Ekselius L, Lundkvist O, Sundström Poromaa I. Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in infertile women and men undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment. Hum Reprod 2008;23:2056–2063.
  • Matthews R, Matthews AM. Infertility and involuntary childlessness: the transition to non-parenthood. J Marriage Fam 1986;48:641–649.
  • Guerra D, Llobera A, Veiga A, Barri PN. Psychiatric morbidity in couples attending a fertility service. Hum Reprod 1998;13:1733–1736.
  • Peronace L, Boivin J, Schmidt L. Patterns of suffering and social interactions in infertile men: 12 months after unsuccessful treatment. J Psychosom Obst Gyn 2007;28:105–114.
  • Verhaak CM, Smeenk JMJ, van Minnen A, Kremer JAM, Kraaimaat FW. A longitudinal, prospective study on emotional adjustment before, during and after consecutive fertility treatment cycles. Hum Reprod 2005;20:2253–2260.
  • Domar AD. Impact of psychological factors on drop-out rates in insured infertility patients. Fertil Steril 2004;81:271–273.
  • Olivius C, Friden B, Borg G, Bergh C. Why do couple discontinue in vitro fertilization treatment? A cohort study. Fertil Steril 2004;81:258–261.
  • Brucker P, McKenry PC. Support from health care providers and the psychological adjustment of individuals experiencing infertility. JOGGN 2004;33:597–603.
  • Malin M, Hemminki E, Räikkönen O, Sihvo S, Perälä M-L. What do women want? Women's experiences of infertility treatment. Soc Sci Med 2001;53:123–133.
  • Abbey A, Andrews FM, Halman LJ. Provision and receipt of social support and disregard: what is their impact on the marital life quality of infertile and fertile couples? J Pers Soc Psychol 1995;68:455–469.
  • Lechner L, Bolman C, van Dalen A. Definite involuntary childlessness: associations between coping, social support and psychological distress. Hum Reprod 2007;22:288–297.
  • Boivin J. A review of psychosocial interventions in infertility. Soc Sci Med 2003;57:2325–2341.
  • Boivin J, Appleton TC, Baetens P, Baron J, Bitzer J, Corrigan E, et al Guidelines for counselling in infertility: outline version. Hum Reprod 2001;16:1301–1304.
  • Wishmann T. Implication of psychosocial support in infertility – a critical appraisal. J Psychosom Obstet Gyn 2007;29:83–90.
  • Benyamini Y, Gozlan M, Kokia E. Variability in the difficulties experienced by women undergoing infertility treatments. Fertil Steril 2005;83:275–283.
  • Eugster A, Vingerhoets AJJM. Psychological aspects of in vitro fertilization: a review. Soc Sci Med 1999;48:575–589.
  • Oddens BJ, den Tonkelaar I, Nieuwenhuyse H. Psychosocial experiences in women facing fertility problems – a comparative survey. Hum Reprod 1999;14:255–261.
  • Slade P, Emery J, Lieberman BA. A prospective, longitudinal study of emotions and relationships in in-vitro fertilization treatment. Hum Reprod 1997;12:183–190.
  • Sundby J, Schmidt L, Heldaas K, Solveig B, Tanbo T. Consequences of IVF among women: 10 years post-treatment. J Psychosom Obstet Gyn 2007;28:115–120.
  • Wirtberg I, Möller A, Hongström, Tronstad SE, Lalos A. Life 20 years after unsuccessful infertility treatment. Hum Rep 2007;22:598–604.
  • Asero M, Aiello AG, Pozzi G. Linee Guida per la Consulenza nell'Infertilità del gruppo di lavoro di interesse psicologico della ESHRE. Ottobre 2004. Available from: www.psy.it/documenti/linee_guida/Consulenza%20Psicologica%20nell'Infertili.pdf [Accessed 23 February 2009].
  • Scabini E, Cigoli V. Generatività ed ethos familiare: riflessioni in margine alle ricerche psicologiche sulla procreazione assistita. In: Scabini E, Rossi G, editors. Famiglia ‘generativa’ o famiglia ‘riproduttiva’? Il dilemma etico nelle tecnologie di fecondazione assistita. Milano: Vita e Pensiero, 1999, pp 215–236.
  • Carrasco de Paula I. Ethical issues on procreation and fertility. In: Spagnolo AG, Gambino G, editors. Women's health issues. Roma: Società Editrice Universo; 2002, pp 313–316.
  • Casadei D, Righetti PL, L'intervento psicologico in ginecolgia. Roma: Edizioni Scientifiche Magi; 2007.
  • Di Pietro ML, Spagnolo AG. Ethics consultation with a sterile couple. In: Vial Correa JdD, Sgreccia E, editors. Proceedings of the X Assembly of the PAV. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana; 2005.
  • Flamigni C. Il primo libro della sterilità. I problemi clinici e psicologici, la diagnosi e le cure ordinarie. Torino: UTET; 2008.
  • Beck AT, Ward CH, Meldenson M, Mock J, Erbaugh J. An inventory for measuring depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1961;4:561–571.
  • Beck AT, Steer RA, Garbin MG. Psychometric properties of the Beck Depression Inventory: twenty-five years of evaluation. Clin Psychol Rev 1988;8:77–100.
  • Spielberg CD. STAI. State-trait anxiety inventory (Forma Y). Firenze: Organizzazioni Speciali; 1989.
  • Caprara GV, Perugini M, Barbaranelli C, Pastorelli C. Scala per la Misura della Fragilità Emotiva. Firenze: Organizzazioni Speciali; 1991.
  • Miller WB. Childbearing motivation and its measurement. J Biosoc Sci 1995;27:473–487.
  • Spanier GB. Measuring dyadic adjustment: new scales for assessing the quality of marriage and similar dyads. J Marriage Fam 1976;38:15–28. Italian translation. Gentili P, Contreras L, Cassaniti M, D'Arista F. La dyadic adjustment scale. Una misura dell'adattamento di coppia. Minerva Psichiatr 2002;43:107–116.
  • O'Rourke N, Cappeliez F. Intra-couple variability in marital aggrandizement: idealization and satisfaction within enduring relationships. Crisp 2003;15:206–225.
  • Crane DR, Allgood SM, Larson JH, Griffin W. Assessing marital quality with distressed and nondistressed couples: a comparison and equivalency table for three frequently used measures. J Marriage Fam 1990;52:87–93.
  • Cigoli V, Gilli G, Saita E. Relational factors in psychopathological responses to childbirth. J Psychosom Obst Gyn 2006;27:91–97.
  • Sandelowski M. Compelled to try: the never-enough quality of conceptive technology. Med Anthropol Q 1991;5:29–47 (Quotation pp 35–34).
  • Benyamini Y, Gozlan M, Kokia E. Women's and men's perceptions of infertility and their associations with psychological adjustment: a dyadic approach. Br J Health Psych 2009;14:1–16. (Quotation p 13).
  • Kraaij V, Gamefski N, Vlietstra A. Cognitive coping and depressive symptoms in definitive infertility: a prospective study. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2007;29:9–16.
  • Beaurepaire J, Jones M, Thiering P, Saunders D, Tennant C. Psychosocial adjustment to infertility and its treatment: male and female responses at different stages of IVF/ET treatment. J Psychosom Res 1993;38:229–240.
  • Jordan C, Revenson TA. Gender differences in coping with infertility: a meta-analysis. Behav Med 1999, 22:341–355.
  • Peterson BD, Newton CR, Rosen KH, Skaggs GE. Gender differences in how men and women who are referred for Ivf cope with infertility stress. Hum Reprod 2006;21:2443–2449.
  • van Balen F. Late parenthood among subfertile and fertile couples: motivations and educational goals. Patient Educ Couns 2005;59:276–282.
  • Boivin J, Bunting L, Collins JA, Nygren KG. International estimates of infertility prevalence and treatment-seeking: potential need and demand for infertility medical care. Hum Reprod 2007;22:1506–1512 (Quotation p 1511).
  • Domar AD, Nielsen B, Dusek J, Paul D, Penzias AS, Merari D. The impact of spirituality/religiosity on distress in infertile women. Fertil Steril 2001;76:S198.
  • Curlin FA, Sellergren SA, Lantos JD, Chin MH. Physicians' observations and interpretations of the influence of religion and spirituality on health. Arch Intern Med 2007;167:649–654.
  • Carrasco De Paula I. The human embryo before implantation: between nature and the person. In: Sgreccia E, Lafitte J, editors. Proceedings of the XII Assembly of the PAV. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2007.
  • Campagne DM. Should fertilization treatment start with reducing stress? Hum Reprod 2006;21:1651–1658.
  • Kainz K. The role of the psychologist in the evaluation and treatment of infertility. Womens Health Issues 2001;11:481–485.
  • Schmidt L, Holstein BE, Boivin J, Sångren H, Tjørnhøj-Thomsen T, Blaabjerg J, et al Patients' attitudes to medical and psychological aspects of care in infertility clinics: findings from the Copenhagen Multi-centre Psychosocial Infertility (COMPI) Research Programme. Hum Reprod 2003;18:628–637.
  • Pessina A. Bioetica. L`uomo sperimentale. Milano: Bruno Mondadori, 1999.
  • Stirrat G. Ethical dilemmas in obstetrics and gynaecology. In: Edmonds K, editor. Dewhurst's textbook of obstetrics & gynaecology. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2007.
  • Domar AD, Penzias AS, Dusek J, Magna A, Merari D, Nielsen B, et al The stress and distress of infertility: does religion help women cope? SRM 2005;3:45–51.
  • Dutney A. Religion, infertility and assisted reproductive technology. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet 2007;21:169–180.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.