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Revista Matronas

Revista Matronas

ABRIL 2022 N° 1 Volumen 10

Infertility in the couple

Section: Revisions

How to quote

Molina Sánchez M, Pozo Cano MD, Martínez García E, Pérez Morente MA. Esterilidad en la pareja. Matronas Hoy 2022; 10(1):35-44.

Authors

1 María Molina Sánchez, 2 Mª Dolores Pozo Cano*, 3 Encarnación Martínez García*, 4 M. Ángeles Pérez Morente*

Position

1 Enfermera. Hospital Josep Trueta Girona. 2 Matrona, Doctora, Departamento de Enfermería. Universidad de Granada 3 Matrona, Doctora. Departamento de Enfermería. Universidad de Granada. Hospital de Guadix (Agencia Pública Hospital de Poniente)4 Enfermera. Doctora. Departamento de Enfermería. Universidad de Jaén * Grupo de investigación Gestión y Cuidados en Salud. Código CTS 1021

Contact email: pozocano@ugr.es

Abstract

Introduction: infertility is an important public health problem, which affects around 10% of couples in the world. It is usually generated by a low quality of life, physiological conditions, stress or hormonal problems; and it can trigger severe psychological consequences for the couple.

Objective: to analyse the consequences of infertility in the couple.

Methodology: a bibliographical review in the PubMed, Cinahl and Scopus databases, using DeCS terms linked with the Boolean AND NOT. The search was limited to articles published from 2010 to 2021, and 17 articles were retrieved.

Results: there was a prevalence of sadness, anxiety and depression in both members of the couple. The burden and responsibility of infertility will usually fall on the woman, regardless of culture, but this was typically higher in women living in developing countries, and led to a further reduction in their quality of life. 

Nurses have reported limited knowledge about the consequences of infertility, and therefore they need new resources and skills to help coping with it in case of need, when there is lack of midwives as the professionals competent in this and all matters associated with female sexual and reproductive health. This is an emotionally taxing process for couples, and external professional health is required.

Conclusions: infertile couples suffer the negative consequences of infertility, and different factors such as socioeconomic and cultural aspects will determine the intensity of these effects. That is why the midwife, as a professional specialized in female sexual and reproductive health, can help to provide quality healthcare to patients with this public health problem.

Keywords:

male infertility; female infertility; couple infertility; infertility consequences; psychosocial factors; emotional changes; midwife

Versión en Español

Título:

Esterilidad en la pareja

Artículo completo no disponible en este idioma / Full article is not available in this language

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