TITLE:
A Qualitative Exploration of South African Women’s Psychological and Emotional Experiences of Infertility
AUTHORS:
Athena Pedro, Michelle Andipatin
KEYWORDS:
Infertility, Psychological and Emotional Trauma, Motherhood, Involuntary Childlessness
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Preventive Medicine,
Vol.4 No.5,
May
23,
2014
ABSTRACT: Despite the high prevalence of infertility in Africa, the study of
reproductive health in Africa, has for the most part, not addressed the impact
of involuntary childlessness on women. In contrast, the health priority has
been on fertility regulation rather than on infertility. In Sub-Saharan Africa,
at least 20% - 50% of couples of reproductive age experience a fertility
problem and 30% are diagnosed with infertility. This study explored a sample
of South Africa women’s psychological and emotional experiences of infertility
or involuntary childlessness. Utilising a qualitative methodology, 21 married
women who were diagnosed with infertility were recruited. Semi-structured, indepth
individual interviews were conducted and the data were analysed using thematic
analysis. The results of the study indicated that the women reported emotional
turmoil characterised by emotions such as disappointment and shock, anger and
frustration, a deep sense of sadness and then progressed to experience a sense
of acknowledgement that a problem existed. Within each of these emotional
phases the emotions of hope and optimism were present. The findings of this
study suggest that severe psychological and emotional tug-of-war effects
accompany infertility. Possible coping strategies for women struggling with
infertility are discussed.