The psychology of female infertility: Toward a new perspective

Infertility is a common reproductive problem affecting approximately one couple in six. Discussions of the emotional aspects of infertility have focused on possible psychogenic causation of infertility or psychological effects of infertility. This paper criticizes the criteria often used for the diagnosis of psychogenic causation and the grief model that is most frequently employed to understand reactions to infertility. An alternative model is presented that emphasizes the ongoing nature of the fertility problem and the need to involve the patient in her own treatment.