Psychological Reactions to the Medical Investigation and Surgical Treatment of Infertility

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Abstract
The psychological effects of the medical investigation and surgical treatment of infertility were investigated. For 2 years 30 women with a diagnosis of tubal damage and 29 men were followed with repeated interviews. Negative effects on sexual life were recorded in all individuals and were associated with the planning of intercourse. Semen analysis was psychologically difficult to half of the men and feelings of shame and degradation were common. Fear and anxiety were increased before reconstructive tubal surgery and postoperative depression was observed in 10 women. Most couples overestimated their chances of having a child and half of them expected pregnancy to occur within a few months. After 2 years the need for professional support and counseling had increased. The medical procedure has psychological side effects in the infertile couple and may provoke anxiety. The investigation should be comprehensive and short, and psychologically traumatic investigations like basal body temperature records should be used with caution. During the period of somatic investigation and treatment repeated discussions about the marital relationship and sexual life should be initiated and psychosocial counseling should be offered to all couples.

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