Consecuencias psicológicas de la infertilidad en parejas heterosexuales.

Abstract

Introduction: Infertility is a problem of great relevance since it causes problems at the family, individual, social, and psychological levels. Objective: To differentiate the psychological consequences of male and female infertility and establish the consequences of infertility in the work, social, and family spheres. Methodology: A literature review was conducted with a qualitative approach and descriptive scope through the use of various bibliographic sources in Spanish and English from 2019 to 2023, including the database of the Catholic University of Cuenca, Scopus, and PubMed, cataloged in quartile Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4, and by using keywords such as “psychological consequences,” “infertility,” and “couples” in people diagnosed with infertility. Results: The studies analyzed showed that depression is present in these patients, with little differentiation in terms of male and female sex. Regarding anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, and sexual dysfunctions, they reflected a higher prevalence in women. Regarding family consequences, a higher prevalence was obtained in men. Regarding work and social consequences, a higher prevalence was manifested in women. Conclusion: Studies agree that there is no significant differentiation in the prevalence of depression; on the contrary, anxiety, stress, low self-esteem, and sexual dysfunctions occur more in women. As for the family consequences, they are more evident in men, unlike the work and social consequences that are more evident in women.