Couples' reactions to male infertility and donor insemination

Abstract

Couples (16) were reviewed after the husband was diagnosed as infertile. Husbands (11) experienced a period of impotency. Of the women, 14 experienced anger toward the husband, psychiatric symptoms and/or dreams about their concern for the husband, a wish to be rid of him, and guilt over this wish. Couples (10) had decided to puruse donor insemination; 6 had delayed 1.75-4 yr after the diagnosis of infertility and had a better adjustment than 3 of the 4 couples who did not. The total secrecy involved in donor insemination inhibits the working through of conflicts about infertility and donor insemination itself.