Couples undergoing treatment for infertility: Dimensions of life satisfaction

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceived life, marital, and sexual satisfaction of married couples undergoing treatment for infertility. A survey research design was utilized involving the responses of 4.3 husband-wife pairs. The findings indicated that wives had a significantly lower level of satisfaction with life than their husbands and that there were significant relationships between husband-wife pairs for both marital and sexual satisfaction. In comparison to paired wives, the responses of 17 wives whose husband chose not to respond to the survey indicated higher levels of dissatisfaction in all three dimensions of life satisfation. Furthermore, a majority of the scores f o r this group indicated clinical levels of depression. It was evident that individuals, especially females, undmgoing treatment for infertility experienced stress in various areas of their lives. Hence, suggestions are given to assist caregivers in their endeavor to enhance the quality of life for infertile couples.