"It's like having a second job": qualitative insights into the emotional burden of infertility and the need for coordinated care.
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| Title: | "It's like having a second job": qualitative insights into the emotional burden of infertility and the need for coordinated care. |
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| Authors: | Bernet, Madeleine (AUTHOR), Soom Ammann, Eva (AUTHOR), Quaas, Alexander M. (AUTHOR), von Wolff, Michael (AUTHOR), Kläusler, Marianne (AUTHOR), Büssing, Arndt (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology. Dec2025, Vol. 46 Issue 1, p1-9. 9p. |
| Subjects: | Infertility, Mental health, Integrated health care delivery, Social networks, Social support, Medical personnel, Psychological stress, Qualitative research |
| Abstract: | Infertility, affecting one in six individuals worldwide, poses substantial emotional and physical challenges. Its impact on quality of life (QoL), mental health and social relationships is well documented. However, qualitative insights into the lived experiences of those affected remain limited, as do the perspectives of health professionals involved in their care. This study presents qualitative findings from a mixed-method approach. Data were collected through 23 semi-structured interviews with 26 affected individuals and three focus group discussions with 20 healthcare professionals. The results underscore the multifaceted burden of infertility, including emotional distress, relationship strain and a pervasive sense of social exclusion. Participants expressed a clear need for more empathetic and individualized care, while healthcare professionals pointed to structural barriers. The study also identified a lack of societal recognition for infertility and the complex challenges. In some narratives, spirituality emerged as a personal coping resource – though one that is often overlooked or insufficiently addressed in clinical practice. Key recommendations include the expansion of peer support networks, public awareness raising, flexible treatment models and interprofessional collaboration. Future research should evaluate the effectiveness of peer support systems and interdisciplinary care models in addressing the complex and diverse needs of individuals affected by infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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