Indian Journal of Health Social Work
A REVIEW ON THE SWAY OF INFERTILITY ON THE MARITAL SATISFACTION OF COUPLES
Sreemol Sunil1 & Anish K.R.2
1Ph.D. Scholar, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamassery, Kerala, India, 2 Assistant Professor, Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Kalamassery, Kerala, India
Correspondence: Sreemol Sunil, e-mail id: sreemolsunil@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Background: Infertility is a complex issue that affects individuals and groups, and also it has serious implications for the mental well-being and marital relationship of those involved. It is being recognized as a health issue worldwide. Aim: This review is to assess marital satisfaction in the context of infertility, using data from infertile individuals or both couples. Methods: This study is a scoping literature review of research studies conducted on factors associated with marital satisfaction and well-being in infertile couples. The current literature review search was undertaken using multiple databases selected from articles pertinent to the study. The selection of subjects was undertaken from 2000 to 2019. Results: A total of 623 papers were retrieved, plus the 7 articles from the author search. 6 more studies were identiûed by going through the reference lists of the selected papers and conducting an author search. Finally, 17 articles were included in this review. Conclusion: The results of this review article depicted that the sway of infertility on couples lead them to a lower state of marital satisfaction. The review showed evidence that infertility has a negative effect on the marital satisfaction and sexual relationships of couples, the stresses associated with infertility and related treatment had a negative impact on marital quality. It was identified that infertility, regardless of which gender experiences it, brought along many problems such as unhappiness, stress, losing privacy of sexual life, having sexual intercourse. Infertility and its treatment have effects on marital relations and Quality of life. The effects varied depending upon the stage of infertility process, gender, and the quality of the relationship. The studies also verify that infertile couples are in need of psychosocial interventions; thus, establishing a need for psychosocial interventions.
Keywords: marital satisfaction, sexual satisfaction, marital relationship, infertile couples.
