Infertile Couples Entering an In Vitro Fertilisation Programme: A Preliminary Survey

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a pilot survey of 30 infertile couples who presented for in vitro fertilisation treatment at the Monash—Epworth—Queen Victoria Medical Centre. Wives of the couples underwent an extensive pre-treatment interview for demographic information and psychiatric evaluation. In addition, psychometric testing was carried out to provide psychological profiles. Husbands were interviewed separately and completed self-report questionnaires on marital adjustment. Two sub-groups were identified where the diagnosis of infertility was regarded as of organic or ‘idiopathic’ aetiology. Differences between the two sub-groups were found on neuroticism, anxiety, locus of control and dyadic adjustment. At 2 months after treatment great difficulty was experienced in obtaining follow-up responses. Reasons for this are suggested and recommendations for further investigations and supportive therapy are presented.