The Impact of Infertility on the Relationship Between Spouses

The Impact of Infertility on the Relationship Between Spouses

• Infertility significantly impacts the relationship between spouses, and the extent of the impact is related to their personalities, how they handle stress, and the strength of their psychological and social bond.

• What are the psychological effects of infertility on couples?
• - Depression
• - Loneliness
• - Guilt, especially if one partner is the cause of the infertility
• - Frustration
• - Constant anxiety and fear of the relationship ending
• - Sexual frigidity and loss of spontaneity

• Does infertility destroy a marital relationship?
• Not necessarily. It may bring a couple closer together if they view the problem as a shared experience that strengthens their bond.

• What advice can be given to couples suffering from infertility to strengthen their relationship and prevent its deterioration?
• - Regular conversation between the couple
• - Seeking the help of a psychological counselor, such as a marital relations specialist
• - The couple should avoid blaming each other
• - Encourage them to focus on their emotional and sexual relationship
• - Encourage them to be flexible in their thinking and to be open to multiple options for starting a family

• What is the role of the family in mitigating the psychological effects of infertility on the couple?
• Family members of both spouses should avoid pointing fingers at either of them and should try to provide psychological support to help preserve their relationship.

• Are there support groups for couples struggling with infertility?
• Yes, there are support groups. These groups consist of other couples struggling with the same issue, who share their experiences with a specialized psychosocial counselor.

• Does stress affect fertility?
• Constant stress leads to elevated cortisol levels, negatively impacting sexual performance and fertility for both partners. It can also lead to miscarriages and premature births if pregnancy occurs. Therefore, we advise couples to find ways to reduce stress levels, given their negative effects on fertility, to prevent the situation from worsening.

• Dr Najeeb Layyous  F.R.C.O.G

  Consultant Obstetrician, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist