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Psychological impact of infertility, from the Harvard Mental Health Letter

The case of the California woman who recently gave birth to octuplets generated an enormous amount of public discussion about infertility treatments. But this unusual case has done little to illuminate the far more common, but usually private, psychological challenges faced by the roughly 1.3 million couples who seek infertility advice or treatment each year in the United States, reports the May 2009 issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter.

Although the causes of infertility are overwhelmingly physiological, the resulting heartache may exact a huge psychological toll. Individuals who learn they are infertile often experience the distressing emotions common to those who are grieving a loss. Typical reactions include depression, anger, and frustration.

Relationships may suffer—not only with the spouse/partner, but also with friends and family members. Couples dealing with infertility may avoid social interaction and may struggle with anxiety-related sexual dysfunction and other marital conflicts.

While treatments for infertility offer much-needed help and hope, they may actually heighten stress and anxiety. Additionally, drugs and hormones used to treat infertility may cause psychological side effects, and their costs are significant. Only 15 states mandate insurance coverage, and the extent varies.

Many individuals find a way to cope on their own, or they seek support from friends, family, or support groups, notes Dr. Michael Miller, editor in chief of the Harvard Mental Health Letter. But others need additional help such as counseling, psychotherapy, relaxation techniques, or medications. Although the psychological challenges of infertility can be overwhelming, most people struggling with it ultimately reach some type of resolution. But that resolution is usually hard won.

For more information on infertility, visit Harvard Health Publications' Infertility Resource Center.

Read the full-length article: "The psychological impact of infertility and its treatment"

Also in this issue of the Harvard Mental Health Letter

  • Conditions that affect fertility
  • Male Infertility
  • Take a deep breath
  • Testing for male and female infertility
  • Using Clomid to treat infertility
  • Endometriosis and infertility
  • Treating blocked fallopian tubes
  • Appendicitis and female infertility
  • Follow The Fertility Diet?
  • Female Infertility
  • References for "The psychological impact of infertility and its treatment"
  • References for "Advice about which antidepressant to choose first"
  • References for "The glutamate hypothesis for schizophrenia"
  • References for "Commentary: Providing rewards for smokers who want to quit"
  • Advice about which antidepressant to choose first
  • The glutamate hypothesis for schizophrenia
  • In Brief: The stress of waiting for a breast cancer diagnosis
  • In Brief: Updates about mental health parity
  • The psychological impact of infertility and its treatment
  • Commentary: Providing rewards for smokers who want to quit

Because of your interest in this article, you might find the following information helpful:

Harvard Mental Health Letter

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Harvard Health Publications publishes five monthly newsletters--Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Women's Health Watch, Harvard Men's Health Watch, Harvard Mental Health Letter, and Harvard Heart Letter--as well as more than 50 special health reports and books drawing on the expertise of the 8,000 faculty physicians at Harvard Medical School and its world-famous affiliated hospitals.