Title of article :
Investigating Marital Relationship in Infertility: A Systematic Review of Quantitative Studies
Author/Authors :
Tao, Peng Research and Education Center in Sexual Health - School of Public Health - Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China , Coates, Rosemary Department of Sexology - School of Public Health - Curtin University, Perth, Australia , Maycock, Bruce Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute - Curtin University, Perth, Australia
Abstract :
Background: Infertility is a complex issue that affects individuals and groups, and
also it has serious implications for the mental and social well-being of those involved.
The aim of this review was to assess marital relationship in the context of infertility,
using data from infertile individuals or both couples.
Methods: A literature search was undertaken using multiple databases (Medline,
PsycInfo and Scopus) to identify and synthesize all relevant literature published from
1990 to 2011. All studies in the systematic review were confirmed using specific inclusion
criteria; the methodological quality of these studies were examined according
to a checklist.
Results: Of the potential 794 articles, 18 studies were included in the final analysis,
of which 6 were graded as high quality and 12 as moderate. The results indicated
male factor infertility did not have a negative marital impact. In addition, infertile
male participants expressed higher marital satisfaction than their wives. Infertile
females had significantly less stable marital relationship compared to fertile females,
which was associated with their socio-demographics and treatment experience. For
infertile couples, the infertile subjects or their partners’ marital relationship was affected
by either member’s infertility, experience specifically coping strategies.
Moreover other factors such as sexual satisfaction, age of the infertile couples, education
level, and congruency of couples’ perceptions of infertility were associated
with the quality of martial relationship.
Conclusion: Although the review can provide an outline of marital relationship in
infertility, future studies should focus on the perspective from both infertile couple,
across a range of different infertility types, including extended sample sizes and longitudinal
study designs. In addition, more consideration should be given to qualitative study.
Keywords :
Female , Infertile couples , Infertility , Male , Marital relationship
Journal title :
Astroparticle Physics