What sort of distress is seen amongst involuntarily childless people?
Prior to and during treatment this commonly takes the form of: • Depression • Anxiety • Sexual anxiety/difficulty • Relationship problems with partner, family and friends • Increased sense of self-blame and guilt (especially in the subfertile partner) Following unsuccessful treatment, all of the above feelings are still very commonly reported and also: • Poor coping skills • Sense of helplessness • Increased marital/partner tensions • Heightened anger • Sense of loss or bereavement It is important that clinics address these issues for the emotional well-being of their patients. It is also vital because there is evidence that high levels of psychological distress, of whatever kind, will make conception less likely. Emotions and the endocrine (hormone) system central to reproduction are closely linked.
