Introduction

Parenthood is believed to be one of the major role transitions in adult life for both men and women. Thus, fertility difficulties and the associated, invasive investigations and treatment are significant causes of psychological stress. Some couples respond to this life event with relative ease, whereas others experience intense personal and interpersonal distress.

In general, women who are part of an infertile couple show higher distress. For women, infertility results in a greater loss of identity, in more pronounced feelings of failure and reduced competence, and in higher anxiety and depression levels. Women are also more likely to avoid children, pregnant women and other reminders of the fertile world. The man's response to infertility closely approximates the woman's but only when the cause of the infertility has been attributed to a male factor.

Whether or not it is treated, infertility can produce a variety of psychological reactions. Responses depend upon personality attributes, including adaptability, cultural expectations, support systems, knowledge about reproductive processes and the attitudes of the involved clinicians.

Effect of fertility treatment on stress, anxiety and depression

Women who undergo infertility treatment experience a loss of privacy as they cope with hospital and laboratory personnel. The sense of intimacy that reinforces marriage and mutuality may be challenged when sex and procreation are separated by technology. The change in the purpose of sexual intercourse and self-doubt about performance could be a cause of sexual dysfunction. Also, couples and subfertility specialists have been observed to frequently overestimate the likelihood of treatment success, which often results in violated expectations.