Infertility And the Mental Impact on Women

Nascimento, R. & Henrique Vilas Boas Editors. (2013). Infertility: Genetic factors, treatment risks and benefits, social and psychological consequences. Nova Science Publisher, Inc.
The authors begin by acknowledging within western societies, 15 percent of women are affected by infertility. The book also highlights that infertility has a significant psychological impact on women; as a result of infertility, many women lose their sense of identity; many women also face isolation and experience challenges deciding their trajectory in life. In many societies, a woman’s value is linked to her ability to give birth. Therefore, many women affected by infertility may have feelings of shame, guilt, and failure.
The book further highlights that the western medical approach of dealing with infertility contributes to women feeling powerless due to invasive procedures, fragmented care, lack of individualized care, and technical interventions. The authors point out that one may experience infertility over several years, which is draining. The book compares the western treatment of infertility and traditional Chinese medicine. The book reveals that the traditional Chinese treatment options for infertility are non-invasive and holistic, with a higher success rate.
Schwerdtfeger, K., & Shreffler, K. (2009). The trauma of Pregnancy Loss and Infertility Among Mothers and Involuntarily Childless Women in the United States. Journal of Loss & Trauma, 14(3), 211–227
The article documents the long-term psychological impact of infertility and pregnancy loss. The authors confirm that most women who experience pregnancy may exhibit posttraumatic symptoms based on recent studies. The article also highlights that most women who experience challenges conceiving or pregnancy are more likely to report high depression or low satisfaction in life. Based on research conducted by the National Survey of Fertility Barriers, approximately 30 percent of women in America experience problems with infertility. The authors also highlight that the difficulties of carrying a pregnancy to term are also considered infertility. Recent studies reveal that some of the posttraumatic symptoms that women exhibit after pregnancy loss include hyperarousal, re-experiencing, and avoidance. Research further confirms that 25 percent of women met the criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder within the first month of losing a pregnancy.
On the other hand, women who experience involuntary childlessness are more likely to experience other health complications and exhibit higher levels of anxiety and depression. In long-term infertility negatively affects the sexual lives and relationships of women. The article highlights that as a result of infertility, many women lack a central theme in life, limiting them from making life transitions.
Galst, J. P. (2018). The elusive connection between stress and infertility: A research review with clinical implications. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 28(1), 1–13.
The author begins by defining infertility as a reproductive disease that limits one’s ability to sustain a pregnancy after a year of having unprotected sex. The author points out that infertility contributes to an individual developing chronic stress resulting from the threat of not having a child and stress caused by infertility treatment. The article highlights that infertility challenges one belief system; one loses hope of parenting and the expectations that one has laid out for their life. The article acknowledges that most infertility treatment protocols are invasive, and the treatment may take place over several months or even years. Infertility treatment is also relatively expensive and has a high risk of failure at any phase of the treatment. The article suggests that infertility may lead to the same emotional distress as a person diagnosed with cancer or HIV. Certain phases of infertility treatment are quite stressful because one is constantly anxious, waiting to hear if the process has been successful.

References
Galst, J. P. (2018). The elusive connection between stress and infertility: A research review with clinical implications. Journal of Psychotherapy Integration, 28(1), 1–13. https://doi-org.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/10.1037/int0000081
Nascimento, R. & Henrique Vilas Boas Editors. (2013). Infertility: Genetic factors, treatment risks and benefits, social and psychological consequences. Nova Science Publisher, Inc.
Schwerdtfeger, K., & Shreffler, K. (2009). The trauma of Pregnancy Loss and Infertility Among Mothers and Involuntarily Childless Women in the United States. Journal of Loss & Trauma, 14(3), 211–227. https://doi-org.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/10.1080/15325020802537468