Economic and Psychological Burden of Infertility Among Women Attending Women Health Hospital, Assiut University

Overview

Rational of the study: Infertility is a significant reproductive health issue for couples worldwide. The effects of infertility are wide-ranging-from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression to social and economic issues such as ostracization and economic problems. Although infertility affects both men and women, the woman in a couple is most often blamed for the inability to bear children.

Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system, defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse (WHO). Large numbers of people are affected by infertility in their lifetime, according to a new report published by World Health Organization. Around 17.5% of the adult population - roughly 1 in 6 worldwide - experience infertility. The inability to conceive children is experienced as a stressful situation by individuals and couples all around the world. The consequences of infertility are manifold and may include societal repercussions and personal emotional suffering. The infertile couple experienced greater dissatisfaction with themselves and their marriages. Females experienced greater discontent over time and had greater emotional problems than males because infertility had traditionally been viewed as a women problem and women have been expected to suffer greater emotional problems due to infertility. Treatment for infertility provides an opportunity for women and men to become parents. The evolution of assisted reproductive technology (ART) for the treatment of infertile couples is considered an extraordinary restorative accomplishment throughout the world. However accessibility of treatments such as IVF is limited to only those who can afford to pay out of pocket (OOP). Even among those who have the ability to pay, their willingness and financial ability to undergo multiple cycles of ART often depends on OOP payments incurred. However, due to the desire for a child, couples are often ready to make significant financial sacrifices often beyond their means. Couples are frequently willing to suffer catastrophic financial hardship instead of forgoing infertility care, resulting in negative economic consequences. Evidence suggests that in the absence of mechanisms for risk protection, OOP payments can push households into poverty.

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