Long-Term Psychological Consequences of Infertility: A Follow-Up Study of Former Patients

Objective: The acute psychological distress in infertility is well-known, but we know less about the long-term resolution of the problem. This study examined former female infertility patients' subjective experience with infertility, and the long-term psychological functioning in patients who got pregnant, adopted, or remained childless. Design: The medical records of all 361 registered patients in an infertility unit 1982 were identified, and the patients were mailed a follow-up questionnaire, including three standard psychological tests, in 1988 (response rate ca. 70%). Outcome: Most patients had experienced infertility as a traumatic life event with severe implications for their lives. The overall long-term psychological functioning of the patients was fair. There were some differences in well-being between those who did get a child and those who did not, but many other factors, such as marital status, time since investigation, and length of education also influenced the psychological outcome. Conclusion: The psychological crisis of infertility may be resolved through the birth or adoption of a child, but even most of the permanent childless women resolve the crisis after some time. The medical staff should be able to identify those with the most severe psychological vulnerability and be active participants in the emotional support for those patients.