Psychological Issues among Women Undergoing Fertility Treatment in a Specialist Fertility Hospital, South East Nigeria

Introduction: In Nigeria, a major reason for marriage is procreation and married couples look forward to having children within year or two of marriage. The inability achieve conception subsequently have child among may lead psychological complications. Objective: This study assessed the impact infertility its management on women receiving treatment at Fertility Specialist Hospital in poor resource setting. Methods: was cross-sectional 376 consenting who sought received fertility private Hospital, located Abakaliki, South-East Nigeria between May 1, 2017 31, 2022. Socio-demographic Structured questionnaires were administered participants over 5-year period. Results: mean age presentation 36.9 (±7.2 SD) years. majority (227) presented with secondary accounting 60.4%, while rest had primary (χ2 = 16.18, P 0.001). Male-only factor accounted 22.9% all cases, female-only 21.3% both (male female factors co-existing) 52.7% cases. commonest cause sperm parameters (176) 46.8% tubal 19.1% anovulatory 22.3% 214.21, Three hundred thirty four (88.8%) felt depressed, 266 (70.7%) guilty about past, 222 (59.0%) suicidal tendencies because ordeal. Two fifty one (66.8%) inferior, 237 (63.0%) cried often 174 (46.3%) socially withdrawn. However, 10.4% satisfied well. These negative feelings statistically significant. Concerning effect marriage, closeness reduced significantly 57.7%, 62.8% coital intimacy, 79.3% frequent quarrel misunderstanding, 27.9% threats divorce 4.5% actually divorced 11.% separated. there no 8.8% couples. Conclusion: Psychological issues associated include depression, guilt feelings, ideation, weeping episodes, social withdrawal, inferiority, libido, poverty intimacy quarrels misunderstanding. Women appear bear more infertility. Early part women, preservation their reproductive youthful ages, better understanding concept by couple will not only reduce prevalence but also dangerous