Stress, sexual satisfaction, and marital adjustment in infertile couples.

A longitudinal study was designed to assess the effects of infertility as well as the influence of the subsequent medical investigation on marital functioning. During their initial visit at a fertility clinic, 165 couples underwent psychological assessment. Questionnaires were completed to assess stress, sexual satisfaction, and marital adjustment. Participants were categorized into those who became pregnant during the 12 months of the study (n = 48 couples) and those for whom treatment was not successful (n = 117 couples). Significant increases in stress and decreases in marital functioning were experienced by subjects as the treatment investigation progressed. Furthermore, greater levels of marital distress were observed in couples that did not conceive. Significant gender differences were observed.