P-63: The Comparison of Psychological Aspectsof Infertile Males and Females

Infertility is a relatively prevail problem which has been considered as a source of psychological distresses in many studies. The period of infertility, the type of treatment offered, the person’ s ability in coping ,prognosis of infertility factors, psycho – emotional supports and social supports available are among different factors that influence the psycho – social function of the individuals. The results of the studies done by psychologists, clinical and social psychologist as well as mental health professionals have shown that the infertile persons who are under the chronic stress are more prone to get disease like depression, anxiety ,low self steams and dissatisfaction .In general ,the experience of stressful events cause low control in person’s life and forces him or her to get into anxiety disorders .It also cause aggressive behavior, the feeling of helplessness ,disappointment, embarrassment, anxiety and problem in sex needs is one of the factors that influence the process and reaction of the person toward infertility .In studies done by Connolly and et al. (1992), Burnstein and et al. (1988) the results have shown that males and females are different. This experience is more stressful in females than in males. The infertile females, in comparison with infertile males experience more psychological problems. Also infertility has a more negative meaning for females than for males, Bery and Wilson (1991), Shover and et al. (1992), Greil(1991). In this sort of studies, it has been concluded that females, in comparison with infertilemales:1- Start treatment sooner and stop it later.2- Look for the information related to infertility in the environment around more.3- Having babies is considered as the only treatment of infertility negative outcomes. 4- Have low self steam. 5- Have more depression. 6-Have low life satisfaction. 7- Consider infertility as an unacceptable thing. 8- They blame themselves for the infertility problem. What we should know is that the difference in sex and its effect on infertility is more important than the problem person. The role of sex (males or females) is of great importance in infertility. What we should consider more is the psychosocial aspects of infertility.