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Abdelnabi SJ. Muslim Women's Experiences with Infertility: A Literature Review. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs 2024; 49:211-218. [PMID: 38512137 DOI: 10.1097/nmc.0000000000001022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Infertility affects one in six women worldwide, playing a large role on an individual's psychosocial wellbeing and quality of life. The purpose of this review was to examine the experiences of Muslim women with infertility. METHODS A Prisma-guided literature review was conducted in Scopus, CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, PsychInfo, and Google Scholar. Sample inclusion criteria included research that examined the psychosocial consequences of infertility in women, used a qualitative design, were from a Muslim majority country or specified participants were Muslim, and were published in the English-language since 2013. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize the findings into themes. RESULTS Fourteen qualitative studies that explored the experiences of Muslim women with infertility were included for analysis. Women's responses were categorized into three focus areas: (1) emotional responses, (2) interpersonal relationships, and (3) social relationships. From these focus points, six overarching themes were identified that illustrated the challenges faced by Muslim women experiencing infertility: (1) identity crisis, (2) low self-esteem and depression, (3) abuse and harassment, (4) a weakened marital bond, (5) stigma, and (6) social exclusion and isolation . CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Review of the literature provided an initial entrée into understanding the experiences of Muslim women with infertility. Understanding the unique role of infertility within a religious community equips nurses and other providers with the knowledge that discussions surrounding infertility must be conducted with cultural sensitivity. Further research should be conducted to explore and offer culturally tailored educational materials that align with the religious preferences of Muslim women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia Jamal Abdelnabi
- Samia Jamal Abdelnabi is a Research Fellow, National Clinician Scholars Program, Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, University of Michigan, School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI. Dr. Abdelnabi can be reached at
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Renzi A, Fedele F, Di Trani M. Assisted Reproductive Treatments, Quality of Life, and Alexithymia in Couples. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11071026. [PMID: 37046953 PMCID: PMC10093954 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11071026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Infertility and related treatments can negatively affect a couple's wellbeing. The aim of this study was to evaluate couples starting assisted reproductive treatment, differences in alexithymia and quality of life levels between partners, and the association of these psychological dimensions within the couple's members. Data was collected in two fertility centres in Rome; 47 couples completed the Fertility Quality of Life (FertiQoL), the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and a socio-demographic questionnaire. Data analysis showed a worsened quality of life in women compared with their partners, as well as higher externally oriented thinking in men compared with their spouses. Associations between alexithymia and quality of life levels between women and men emerged. According to the regression analysis, a better quality of life in women was predicted by a greater partner's capabilities in identifying and describing emotion as well as by a better partner's quality of life, whereas for men, a better quality of life was predicted by their spouse's higher levels of quality of life. This study highlights the protective role that couples can play in the perception of the negative impact that infertility can have on their partner's quality of life. Further investigations are needed for the development of specific therapeutic interventions for the promotion of the couples' wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Renzi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiola Fedele
- ART Italian National Register, National Centre for Diseases Prevention and Health Promotion, Italian National Health Institute, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Di Trani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Hamzehgardeshi Z, Khalilian A, Peyvandi S, Elyasi F, Kalantari F, Gelehkolaee KS. Complex factors related to marital and sexual satisfaction among couples undergoing infertility treatment: A cross-sectional study. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15049. [PMID: 37101648 PMCID: PMC10123143 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study assesses complex factors related to marital and sexual satisfaction among couples undergoing infertility treatment. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with 140 couples who visited fertility centers in Iran, between September 2015 and July 2016. Data collection was done by Marital and Sexual Satisfaction Questionnaires and were analyzed by the IBM SPSS 26 software. Results There was a significant difference between wives and husbands in the MSQ total scores (p = 0.027). However, there was no significant difference between wives and husbands in the SSQ total scores (p = 0.398). Sexual satisfaction and decision-maker in life among wives and husbands were significant predictors of MSQ. The kind of treatment, cause of infertility and BMI among wives and kinds of treatment, cause of infertility, and decision-maker among husbands were also significant predictors of SSQ. Conclusion The findings of this study showed that there is a difference between the understanding of marital and sexual satisfaction in wives and their husbands. Healthcare providers need to pay more attention to these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Hamzehgardeshi
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Alireza Khalilian
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sepideh Peyvandi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, IVF Ward, Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Forouzan Elyasi
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Center, Addiction Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Imam Khomeini Educational and Treatment Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Kalantari
- Imam Khomeini Educational and Treatment Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Keshvar Samadaee Gelehkolaee
- Sexual and Reproductive Health Research Center, Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Corresponding author.
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Calvo V, Fusco C, Pellicelli C, Masaro C. Romantic attachment, infertility-related stress, and positive body image of women dealing with infertility. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1067970. [PMID: 36687918 PMCID: PMC9852893 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1067970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Infertility is a condition that can affect the physical, emotional, social, and relational well-being of women. Women's bodies seem to assume a crucial relevance as part of the experience of infertility and its treatments. An extended body of literature supports the role of romantic attachment orientations in facing infertility-related stress. However, the association between romantic attachment orientations, infertility-related stress, and women's body image has not been explored. Methods This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the role of romantic attachment and infertility-related stress concerning positive body image in 113 women dealing with infertility. Data were analyzed with correlation and mediation path analyses. Results Results showed that high levels of attachment anxiety, attachment avoidance, and infertility-related stress were negatively associated with positive body image. Path analyses indicated that positive body image may be directly associated with romantic attachment anxiety. The negative association of attachment avoidance with body image appeared to be mediated by infertility-related stress. Discussion Findings suggest that romantic attachment insecurities and infertility-related stress are significantly associated with a worsened body image in infertile women. Implications for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Calvo
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Pedagogy and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy,*Correspondence: Vincenzo Calvo,
| | - Chiara Fusco
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Camilla Pellicelli
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Pedagogy and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Masaro
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Pedagogy and Applied Psychology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Leeners B, Tschudin S, Wischmann T, Kalaitzopoulos DR. Sexual dysfunction and disorders as a consequence of infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:95-125. [PMID: 35900268 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexuality has a key impact on quality of life and on reproductive health. Infertility often results in sexual dysfunction. Despite this close association, addressing sexuality is not a standard component of infertility counselling, especially since in most countries sexual medicine is not a core element of specialist training. Even today, many doctors and patients consider discussing sexuality to be more challenging than other aspects of reproductive medicine. The present review addresses the complex consequences of infertility on sexuality. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Our goals were: (i) to identify the prevalence of sexual problems resulting from infertility, (ii) to evaluate characteristics of sexual difficulties and disorders resulting from infertility and (iii) to analyse factors involved in the complex association between sexual problems and infertility. SEARCH METHODS A systematic search for publications containing keywords related to sexual disorders and infertility was performed via PubMed, Web of Science and Psyndex. A total of 170 manuscripts published between January 1966 and April 2021 were identified after verification of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The reference lists in these manuscripts were searched for further relevant literature. Studies were reviewed for quality-related methodological details. OUTCOMES Couples diagnosed with infertility have an increased risk of sexual disorders. Loss of sexual desire and erectile dysfunction are among the most frequent sexual disorders resulting from infertility. Currently available literature reflects only fragmentarily the complexity of the diverse interactions. Sexuality plays out against the backdrop of interactions among personal, cultural, infertility-related and sexuality-related factors. Considering this complexity, it is crucial to evaluate individual profiles as well as partnership interactions to avoid a negative impact of infertility on a couple's sexual life. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Identifying sexual disorders as relevant considerations in the context of infertility and exploring their impact during the entire course of diagnosis and treatment constitute an important contribution to comprehensively care for the couples concerned. Counselling should focus on preventing the onset and aggravation of sexual disorders. As sexuality represents a major component of quality of life and of partnership, such support may improve not only the current overall wellbeing but also the chances of a satisfactory long-term partnership and family life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Leeners
- Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sibil Tschudin
- Division of Social Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tewes Wischmann
- Institute for Medical Psychology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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McQuillan J, Passet-Wittig J, Greil AL, Bujard M. Is perceived inability to procreate associated with life satisfaction? Evidence from a German panel study. REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE & SOCIETY ONLINE 2022; 14:87-100. [PMID: 34877417 PMCID: PMC8627902 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbms.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Most studies of the psychosocial consequences of infertility have focused on those who seek medical treatment, leaving a research gap regarding the psychosocial consequences of perceived inability to procreate in the general population. Moreover, most studies are cross-sectional and the results are thus likely affected by omitted variable bias. Inspired by aspects of the Theory of Conjunctural Action, this study analysed 10 waves of data from the German Family Panel (pairfam) for women and men using fixed effects panel regression and including time-varying control variables suggested by theory and research. This study found that both women and men experienced lower life satisfaction in years when they perceived an inability to procreate. This association was not affected by the inclusion of relevant time-varying control variables. Furthermore, the association between perceived barriers to procreation and life satisfaction was found to differ depending on life circumstances and gender. Women with partners and men without partners had lower life satisfaction when they perceived an inability to procreate compared with when they did not. Women and men who intended to have a(nother) child had lower life satisfaction when they perceived an inability to procreate compared with when they did not. The association, however, was only significant for men. Somewhat surprisingly, women who perceived an inability to procreate also had lower life satisfaction when they were not intending to have a(nother) child. This study makes an important contribution to research on the psychosocial consequences of perceived infertility, and provides insights into why some people may pursue assisted reproductive technology for family creation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia McQuillan
- Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | | | - Arthur L. Greil
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, Alfred University, Alfred, NY, USA
| | - Martin Bujard
- Federal Institute for Population Research, Wiesbaden, Germany
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Hodson N. Differences between sperm sharing and egg sharing are morally relevant. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2022; 49:medethics-2021-107887. [PMID: 34992082 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2021-107887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Sperm sharing arrangements involve a man ('the sharer') allowing his sperm to be used by people seeking donor sperm ('the recipients') in exchange for reduced price in vitro fertilisation. Clinics in the UK have offered egg sharing since the 1990s and the arrangement has been subjected to regulatory oversight and significant ethical analysis. By contrast, until now no published ethical or empirical research has analysed sperm sharing. Moreover the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) does not record the number of sperm sharing arrangements taking place.This paper describes the sperm sharing process providing an analysis of all the UK clinics advertising sperm sharing services. The ethical rationale for egg sharing is described: reducing the number of women exposed to the risks of stimulation and retrieval. This advantage is absent in sperm sharing where donation has no physical drawbacks. The key adverse social and emotional outcome of gamete sharing arises when the sharer's own treatment is unsuccessful and the recipient's is successful. This outcome is more likely in sperm sharing than in egg sharing given sperm from sharers can be used by up to 10 families whereas shared eggs only go to one other family.Given its morally relevant differences from egg sharing, sperm sharing requires its own ethical analysis. The HFEA should begin recording sperm sharing arrangements in order to enable meaningful ethical and policy scrutiny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Hodson
- Unit of Mental Health and Wellbeing, University of Warwick, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, UK
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Demirel G, Taskin Yilmaz F, Yenicesu AG. The Relation Between Religious Coping, Adjustment to Fertility, Being Affected by Infertility, and Satisfaction with Life in Turkish Women with Infertility. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2021; 60:4264-4277. [PMID: 34218405 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01319-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Religion has been an important tool in treating the difficulties expereinced by infertile females. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between religious coping styles and infertility adjustment, infertility distress, and satisfaction with life in a group of women with infertility problems. The study was a cross-sectional study that involved a convenience sample of 168 women with infertility living in Turkey. A weak negative correlation was found between women's positive religious coping and infertility distress. There was no significant correlation between women's negative religious coping and their infertility adjustment, infertility distress, and satisfaction with life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulbahtiyar Demirel
- Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140, Sivas, Turkey.
| | - Feride Taskin Yilmaz
- Department of Internal Disease Nursing, Health High School of Susehri, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, 58140, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Ayse Gonca Yenicesu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, IVF Center, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
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Amiri SE, Brassard A, Rosen NO, Rossi MA, Beaulieu N, Bergeron S, Péloquin K. Sexual Function and Satisfaction in Couples with Infertility: A Closer Look at the Role of Personal and Relational Characteristics. J Sex Med 2021; 18:1984-1997. [PMID: 34702685 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research to date suggests that couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) are at a high risk of experiencing sexual difficulties. AIM This dyadic cross-sectional study aimed to provide a better understanding of the infertility-specific personal (ie, emotional, mind-body) and relational stressors associated with the sexual desire, orgasm, arousal, and sexual satisfaction of infertile couples seeking ART. METHODS The sample included 185 mixed-sex infertile couples seeking ART. Participants completed online the Fertility Quality of Life tool and either the Female Sexual Function Index or the International Index of Erectile Function. Data were analyzed using path analyses based on the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model. OUTCOMES Individuals' own and their partners' sexual function (desire, orgasm, arousal domains) and sexual satisfaction. RESULTS For men and women, infertility-related emotional stressors were associated with their own and their partner's lower sexual desire. For women, experiencing greater infertility-related emotional stressors was also associated with their partner's lower sexual satisfaction. While experiencing greater infertility-related mind-body stressors was not associated with men and women's own sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction, for women, it was associated with their partner's lower sexual arousal. Lastly, for men and women, infertility-related relational stressors were associated with their own lower sexual arousal, as well as with their own and their partner's lower sexual satisfaction. For women, experiencing greater relational stressors was also associated with their own lower sexual desire and orgasm. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Interventions addressing the emotional, mind-body, and relational spheres of infertile couples seeking ART may help facilitate improvements in sexual function and satisfaction and better serve their needs. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS This study included a large sample of couples. Our sample was heterogeneous with regards to couples' cause of infertility and treatment stage. The use of an infertility-related measure allowed us to better capture personal and relational stressors specific to couples seeking ART. Given the cross-sectional design of our study, causality between infertility-related stressors and sexual function and satisfaction cannot be inferred. Our sample included predominantly White, mixed-sex individuals with a high level of education, which may reduce the generalizability of our findings. CONCLUSION Couples' subjective experience of infertility and treatment (personal and relational stressors) seems to be strongly associated with their sexual health, allowing us to identify potential targets of intervention with couples seeking ART. S.E. Amiri, A Brassard, N.O. Rosen, et al. Sexual Function and Satisfaction in Couples with Infertility: A Closer Look at the Role of Personal and Relational Characteristics. J Sex Med 2021;18:1984-1997.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawsane El Amiri
- Departement of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Audrey Brassard
- Departement of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Natalie O Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Meghan A Rossi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Noémie Beaulieu
- Departement of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sophie Bergeron
- Departement of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Katherine Péloquin
- Departement of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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Oehler L, Freeman L, Hughes AA. Sex therapy with couples experiencing infertility: an intersystem approach. SEXUAL AND RELATIONSHIP THERAPY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14681994.2021.1915472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lexi Oehler
- Marriage and Family Therapy Program, School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Liz Freeman
- Marriage and Family Therapy Program, School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
| | - Anthony A. Hughes
- Marriage and Family Therapy Program, School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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Sahin BM, Gursoy E. The social and psychological consequences of women getting pregnant with fertility treatment: A qualitative study. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2021; 57:463-472. [PMID: 33043997 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study focuses on psychological and social problems of women getting pregnant with fertility before and after pregnancy. This study to gain a more in-depth understanding of the processes in which infertility affected the kinds of psychological and social consequences they experienced. DESIGN AND METHODS A qualitative descriptive design was used in the study. The descriptive and thematic content analysis methods were used for the analysis of the data obtained for the study. FINDINGS The identified themes are as follows: (1) society's social and psychological pressure, (2) isolation from the "fertile" world, (3) effects on marital relationship, (4) perspectives of family members, (5) experiencing pregnancy. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Supportive counseling provided by nurses can be an integral component of treatment in infertile women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berrak Mizrak Sahin
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Elif Gursoy
- Nursing Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
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McQuillan J, Greil AL, Rybińska A, Tiemeyer S, Shreffler KM, Colaner CW. Is a dyadic stressor experienced as equally distressing by both partners? The case of perceived fertility problems. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2021; 38:342-362. [PMID: 38486941 PMCID: PMC10939084 DOI: 10.1177/0265407520953903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Using data from a population survey, this article explores whether perceptions of having a fertility problem among 926 U.S. couples in heterosexual relationships (women aged 25-45 and male partners) are associated with distress. Most couples did not perceive a fertility problem (58%). In almost a third (30%) of the couples, only women perceived a fertility problem; in 4%, only the men; and in nearly a fifth (19%), both perceived a problem. Adjusted for characteristics associated with fertility problems and depressive symptoms, those who perceived a problem exhibited significantly more depressive symptoms than those who did not. Fertility problems are sometimes experienced as individual because in some couples only one partner perceives a problem or has higher distress in response to their own rather than to their partners' perceived problems. For women, fertility problems are experienced as a couple phenomenon because women were more distressed when both partners perceive a problem. The perception of fertility problems is gendered in that women were more likely to perceive a problem than men. Furthermore, men are most distressed when they perceive a problem and their partner does not.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anna Rybińska
- Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, USA
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13
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Lowry MH, Greil A, McQuillan J, Burch A, Shreffler K. Medically Defined Infertility Versus Self-Perceived Fertility Problem: Implications of Survey Wording for Assessing Associations with Depressive Symptoms. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2020; 1:232-240. [PMID: 33786485 PMCID: PMC7784821 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2020.0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To examine how measures of infertility based on medical criteria and based on self-perception relate to depressive symptoms among women with infertility. Background: Survey-based studies of depressive symptoms have used either measures of self-reported infertility based on meeting medical criteria or measures of self-perceived fertility problems, but seldom both. It is, therefore, not known which type of measure is more closely associated with depressive symptoms. Materials and Methods: Using ordinary least-squares multiple regression, this study compares associations between a measure of meeting medical criteria for infertility and a measure of self-perceived fertility problems with a common measure of depressive symptoms. Data come from the National Survey of Fertility Barriers, a population-based survey of 4,711 U.S. women. Results: Both meeting medical criteria for infertility and self-perception were associated with depressive symptoms after controlling for a number of relevant variables, but the coefficient for the self-perception measure was slightly higher than the coefficient for medical criteria. Conclusion: If possible, both medical criteria and self-perception measures should be used in studies of the consequences of infertility for psychosocial outcomes. If only one measure can be used, self-perception of a fertility problem is an acceptable measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele H. Lowry
- Division of Social Sciences, Alfred University, Alfred, New York, USA
| | - A.L. Greil
- Division of Social Sciences, Alfred University, Alfred, New York, USA
| | - J. McQuillan
- Department of Sociology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - A. Burch
- Division of Counseling and School Psychology, Alfred University, Alfred, New York, USA
| | - K.M. Shreffler
- Human Development and Family Science, Oklahoma State University, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
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Renzi A, Di Trani M, Solano L, Minutolo E, Tambelli R. Success of assisted reproductive technology treatment and couple relationship: A pilot study on the role of romantic attachment. Health Psychol Open 2020; 7:2055102920933073. [PMID: 32637146 PMCID: PMC7323283 DOI: 10.1177/2055102920933073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Infertility is a deeply distressing experience, which can threaten important personal and martial goals, frequently affecting the psychophysical health. A supportive relationship and a secure romantic attachment appear to reduce infertility stress, as well as play a relevant role in the success of assisted reproductive technology treatments. The principal aim of the study is to investigate the predictive effect of romantic attachment, couple characteristics, quality of life and age on assisted reproductive technology outcome. A total of 88 infertile women, enrolled in an assisted reproductive technology Centre of Rome, completed the Experience in Close Relationship-Revised, the Couple Relationship Inventory, the Fertility Quality of Life and a socio-demographic questionnaire. The participants completed the questionnaires at the beginning of the medical treatment. Data analyses showed significant associations among Experience in Close Relationship-Revised dimensions, Couple Relationship Inventory and Fertility Quality of Life Scales. Assisted reproductive technology outcome was negatively correlated to Experience in Close Relationship-Revised Avoidance and positively related to Couple Relationship Inventory Dependence. A multi-variable logistic regression revealed that Experience in Close Relationship-Revised Avoidance decreased the probability of pregnancy. The present findings partially confirmed the study hypotheses since several associations among couple characteristics, attachment anxiety and avoidance dimensions, infertility-related quality of life in infertile women were found. Furthermore, according to a definition of Avoidance, assisted reproductive technology positive outcome appears to be associated to lower levels of fear of dependence and interpersonal intimacy, and to a low need both for self-reliance and for reluctance to self-disclose within the romantic relationship. Further investigations are needed both to confirm this preliminary finding and for promoting focused therapeutic interventions for couples facing assisted reproductive technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Renzi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Di Trani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Solano
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Renata Tambelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Safaei Nezhad A, Ebrahimi L, Vakili MM, Kharaghani R. Effect of counseling based on the choice theory on irrational parenthood cognition and marital quality in infertile women: A randomized controlled trial. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2020; 56:141-148. [PMID: 31093987 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study evaluated the effect of counseling based on the choice theory on irrational parenthood cognition (IPC)- and marital quality in infertile women. DESIGN AND METHODS This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 50 primary infertile women in Zanjan, Iran. Stratified block randomization was used to allocate participants to groups. The intervention group received counseling, but the control group received routine care. Data were collected using the IPC and marital relationships quality based on the Glasser's choice theory. FINDINGS A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in IPC (P = 0.005), but the difference in marital quality was not statically significant ( P = 0.085). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Counseling can be used for decreasing IPC, but more interventions are needed to increase marital quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Safaei Nezhad
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad M Vakili
- Department of Health Education & Health Promotion, School of Public Health, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Roghieh Kharaghani
- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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