Impact of Infertility on Mental Health of Women (original) (raw)

International Journal of Indian Psychology, 2019

Abstract

This paper examined the impact of infertility on mental health of women. Moreover, it aimed to see the role of demographic variables in the relationship between these variables. The sample comprised of 60 married women, divided into two groups of 30 each i.e. fertile and infertile women. Purposive sampling technique was used for sample collection. The sample of infertile women was drawn from different Gynae Departments of Hospitals of Karachi and the sample of fertile women was drawn from different areas of Karachi. Depression, anxiety and stress was significantly observed more in infertile woman than in fertile woman. Further study must be conduct in multiple setups to know the exact figure in other regions of the country to address the variables which are responsible for depression, stress and anxiety among infertile women. This also included rehabilitation and capacity building programs among infertile woman so that they live with a normal routine of quality of life. Infertility was defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as "Inability to reach a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of systematic unprotected sexual interaction". 1 Moreover being a medical state in itself, infertility may have a major influence on quality of life and wellbeing. 2-5 Psychological problems related to infertility has a wide range from inferiority complex and stress to interpersonal relationships to major depression and anxiety. 6-7 Along with the social, psychological and cultural significance, infertility has been classified as one of the greatest stressors of life. Authors have highlighted the negative impact of infertility on infertile patients who experience more depression, stress and anxiety in their life. They also highlighted the treatment of these disorders. 2-5,8 The incidences of infertility vary from country to country. The global prevalence of infertility is 15% 9. In developing countries the prevalence is greater than 30% whereas in developed countries the range is 17-28%. 10 Infertility can be classified as primary and secondary infertility and it depends on whether a women has had a previous pregnancy or not. 11 Infertility might be a result of complications in men and women. 12 Regardless of whoever is infertile among the couple, infertility is very stressful mainly for women who are blamed for the infertility, most of the time. 13 This effects their life socially,

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