Publication:

The emotional toll of infertility: a study of perceived stress, well-being and couple satisfaction in women undergoing fertility treatment

Background Infertility is a life-altering condition that can place significant emotional and relational strain on individuals and couples. While the psychological consequences of infertility are well-documented, its specific impact on perceived stress (PSS), couple satisfaction (CS), and overall wellbeing remains underexplored. This study aimed to examine the impact of PSS on CS and psychological wellbeing (PWB) among individuals undergoing infertility treatment compared to naturally fertile individuals with at least one child.

Methods Participants included individuals from two groups: those undergoing infertility treatments (e.g., IVF, IUI) and those with natural fertility. Standardized questionnaires were administered to assess PSS, CS, and PWB. Data was analyzed using correlation and group comparison techniques.

Results A significant negative correlation was found between PSS and CS in both groups, indicating that increased stress levels were associated with lower relationship satisfaction regardless of fertility status. However, no significant differences emerged between the groups in terms of overall PWB.

Conclusions Infertility may compromise CS but does not necessarily diminish broader PWB. These findings highlight the need for targeted psychological interventions and counseling to reduce stress and improve relationship quality in couples undergoing infertility treatment. Future research should explore specific dimensions of wellbeing that may be uniquely affected by infertility.