P-44: Psychological Effects of Infertility on Couples

Background: Some studies demonstrate that depression, stress, low self esteem and sexual dissatisfaction may be psychological outcomes of infertility. Depression and sexual satisfaction may play a significant role in the life of infertile couples, their infertility treatment follow ups and their hopefulness for the future, this study was done to determine and compare rates of depression and sexual satisfaction among infertile and fertile couples reffering to Alzahra medical educational centre in Tabriz(Iran) during 2006. Materials and Methods: This was a comparative- descriptive study in which depression and sexual satisfaction rates was vstudied and compared in 150 rondomly selected infertile versus 150 fertile couples. Data gathering was done by using a questionnaire with 3 parts:1- demographic characteristics, 2- Beck depression inventory, 3- Larson standard questionnaire. The data gathered from this study were analyzed by SPSS software through calculations of descriptive statistical methods (frequency, mean and standard deviation), tests of association (χ2 and correlation coefficient) and the mean differences tests (t test for independent and paired groups plus one-way ANOVA). P<0.05 was significant. Results: The mean differences for depression between infertile anfd fertile men and women were significant, but for sexual satisfaction, they were not statistically significant. The mean difference for depression in infertile women was higher than that of their husbands, but sexual satisfaction scores in men and women were not much different. Also there was a negative correlation between sexual satisfaction and depression. Conclusion: Infertile couples need rigorous care and treatment for their psychological problems. Active participation of infertile couples during treatment process and presence of psychiatrists and psychologists in the treatment of emotional and psychological problems of the couples are of great importance.