A review of psychological and social aspects of in vitro fertilisation

Abstract

Involuntary infertility is regarded as a cause of much distress and marital un-happiness. Couples arrive at the IVF Clinic after many years of investigations and operations and often a long waiting list. The IVF procedure itself is highly stressful and involves medicalisation of the most intimate aspects of the couple's relationship. Inability to achieve pregnancy after so much emotional, physical and financial expense may lead to feelings of failure in one or both members of the couple. Furthermore, since IVF is regarded as the last chance for treatment, when pregnancy does not occur the couple are often forced for the first time to confront their sterility as a pair. This may trigger a cri..