Exploring stress in women with infertility problems: A qualitative study at Maternal and Child Health Centre, Government Medical College, Anantnag, in South Kashmir, India

BACKGROUND: Infertility is a multifaceted challenge that affects individuals on psychological, relational, and healthcare levels. AIM: This qualitative study explores the various types of stresses experienced by women with infertility issues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative research sampled participants attending the Maternal and Child Health Centre at GMC, Anantnag, Kashmir, from January 27 th , 2025, to February 28 th , 2025. The purposive sampling method was used until data saturation was reached. We conducted a conventional content analysis of in-depth one-on-one interviews. RESULTS: The interviews were held with 15 women with infertility, with a mean age of 34.1 years ± 2.5 standard deviation. The majority of the females were graduates to postgraduates. More than half of them were dealing with secondary infertility, with polycystic ovarian syndrome being the most common cause, followed by unexplained. The treatment was received by all of the female partners irrespective of the cause. The treatment was mostly medical, with 2.4 average number of failed treatments. The results uncovered three subthemes under a theme of infertility stress, subsuming six categories of issues, which include “emotional, mind/body, social, interpersonal, treatment services, and treatment tolerability” stress. CONCLUSION: Infertility causes significant emotional strain, including feelings of inadequacy and jealousy, along with mind–body stress like fatigue and physical discomfort. Furthermore, relational difficulties and social pressures exacerbate the emotional burden. Stress related to infertility treatments, particularly their unpredictability, invasive nature, and high costs, adds another layer of complexity. It is essential to address these multifaceted stressors through comprehensive care to support women in their overall fertility journey.