The course of infertility: Immediate and long-term reactions

Abstract

Infertility frequently has a profound and long-lasting psychological impact on individuals and couples attempting to conceive. The psychological responses to infertility vary, but typically include loss of self-esteem, depression, anger, and guilt. Psychotherapy, although not a cure for infertility, can help couples cope with the pain and emotional distress that infertility may cause. This article describes common responses to infertility and includes a case illustration of the psychological impact of infertility. Mahlstedt's (1985) theory of infertility as a series of losses is used to provide a theoretical framework for understanding and structuring psychotherapeutic interventions for both immediate and long-term reactions. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.