Project – Infertility and its effect on marriage
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
- Background to the Study
Infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse, affects an estimated 10–15% of couples worldwide (Mascarenhas et al., 2012). It is a medical and psychosocial condition that significantly impacts individuals and couples, particularly within the context of marriage. The cultural and emotional emphasis placed on parenthood often exacerbates the distress caused by infertility, making it more than just a medical issue—it becomes a relational and existential crisis for many couples (Greil et al., 2010). This review explores how infertility influences marital relationships, including psychological well-being, intimacy, communication, gender roles, and overall marital satisfaction.
Psychological distress is one of the most prominent effects of infertility on marriage. Studies have shown that infertility often leads to increased levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, particularly among women (Slade et al., 2007). Men, although often less expressive, also experience significant psychological strain, which may manifest through withdrawal or increased work-related stress (Fekkes et al., 2003). These mental health challenges can erode marital stability, as emotional well-being is a cornerstone of a healthy relationship. Couples may find themselves struggling to support each other while managing their own individual emotional burdens.
Marital intimacy frequently suffers in the wake of infertility. Research by Peterson et al. (2009) indicates that couples undergoing infertility treatment report lower sexual satisfaction and emotional closeness, often due to the clinical and timed nature of intercourse during treatment cycles. The pressure to conceive can reduce sexual spontaneity, leading to frustration, resentment, or detachment. For some couples, the absence of a shared childbearing goal may also result in a diminished sense of purpose or partnership within the marriage.
Communication patterns between partners can also deteriorate due to infertility. According to Schmidt et al. (2005), the stress of infertility often leads to avoidance behaviors and poor conflict resolution strategies. Couples may avoid discussing their feelings to prevent hurting each other or may engage in blame-oriented conversations that exacerbate tension. Effective communication is essential in coping with infertility, yet many couples lack the tools or support systems to navigate these complex discussions constructively.
Gender roles and societal expectations further complicate the experience of infertility in marriage. In many cultures, women bear the brunt of the blame and social stigma, even when male infertility is a contributing factor (Inhorn & Patrizio, 2015). This imbalance can strain marital dynamics, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, or inequality. Men, on the other hand, may feel emasculated or powerless, particularly when they are the source of the infertility diagnosis. These gendered experiences contribute to an uneven emotional burden and can disrupt mutual empathy and support.
Despite these challenges, some research highlights resilience and growth among couples facing infertility. According to Gameiro et al. (2011), couples who engage in joint coping strategies and maintain open communication are more likely to experience marital growth and cohesion over time. Professional counseling and support groups have also been shown to buffer the negative impact of infertility on relationships. Therefore, while infertility poses a substantial threat to marital satisfaction, targeted interventions can promote adaptive coping and relational resilience.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
Infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after a year or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, is a growing global concern affecting millions of couples. While its medical and biological aspects have been extensively studied, the emotional and relational consequences—particularly within marriage—have received comparatively less attention. The transition from hope to despair in the pursuit of parenthood often leaves couples emotionally drained, with significant implications for the stability and satisfaction of their marital relationship.
Marriage is traditionally associated with expectations of family formation and childbearing, particularly in many cultures where parenthood is considered a central purpose of union. When infertility disrupts this expectation, it can lead to emotional distress, social stigma, and disappointment. Couples often experience feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and failure, which may strain their emotional connection and challenge their roles as partners. These emotional challenges are not isolated; they become part of the relational fabric of the marriage and may lead to conflicts or withdrawal.
A major issue is the psychological impact infertility has on individuals and couples. Studies show that infertility can lead to increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, especially among women. This psychological toll not only affects individual well-being but also disturbs marital dynamics. Partners may struggle to support each other due to their own unresolved emotions. In many cases, emotional disconnection, reduced intimacy, and even marital dissatisfaction become long-term consequences.
Additionally, gender expectations and cultural norms heavily influence how couples experience infertility. In some societies, women are often blamed for the couple’s infertility regardless of the medical facts, while men may feel a loss of masculinity if found to be infertile. These gendered experiences create emotional imbalances in the relationship and may lead to blame, resentment, or isolation. This imbalance can deepen relational strain and hinder constructive dialogue and mutual understanding between partners.
Moreover, the journey through infertility treatments introduces new sources of stress. Treatments such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or hormone therapy are not only physically and financially demanding but also emotionally exhausting. The repeated cycles of hope and disappointment can damage the couple’s sense of unity. When treatments fail, couples may feel helpless and disconnected, leading to long-term consequences for the relationship, including divorce or emotional estrangement.
Given these challenges, it becomes essential to explore infertility not only as a medical issue but also as a critical relational and psychological concern. Despite the prevalence of infertility, there remains a significant gap in public awareness and policy support regarding its impact on marriage. Without adequate support systems, counseling, and awareness, many couples silently endure a relational crisis that could be addressed with timely intervention. Thus, there is a pressing need to understand and respond to the multifaceted effects of infertility on marriage.
1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to examine Infertility and its effect on marriage. The specific objectives are:
- To examine the emotional impact of infertility on couples’ relationships.
- To investigate the communication patterns between partners facing infertility.
- To explore the coping mechanisms used by couples dealing with infertility within their marriage.
- To assess the level of social support available to couples experiencing infertility.
1.4. Research Questions
The research questions are buttressed below:
- How does infertility affect the emotional dynamics within couples’ relationships?
- What are the communication patterns between partners when facing infertility?
- What coping mechanisms do couples typically employ to navigate infertility within their marriage?
- What is the extent of social support accessible to couples going through infertility?
1.5. Research Hypothesis
The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:
Ho: Infertility has no emotional impact on couples’ relationships.
H1: Infertility has emotional impact on couples’ relationships.
1.6. Significance of the Study
The significance of this study lies in its potential to illuminate the complex and often overlooked emotional, psychological, and relational effects of infertility on married couples. While infertility is widely recognized as a medical condition, its far-reaching consequences on marital dynamics remain underexplored. By focusing on how infertility affects marriage, this study aims to bridge the gap between medical research and social science, thereby fostering a more holistic understanding of the infertility experience.
This study is particularly important for mental health professionals, counselors, and marriage therapists. Understanding how infertility challenges emotional intimacy, communication, and mutual support within marriage can enhance therapeutic interventions. Couples often do not seek professional help until their relationship is already under severe stress. Early recognition of the signs of marital strain due to infertility can guide counselors to offer timely, informed, and sensitive support strategies that preserve the integrity of the marital bond.
Furthermore, the findings of this research will benefit healthcare providers and fertility specialists. By appreciating the emotional toll of infertility on marriage, professionals in reproductive medicine can offer more empathetic, patient-centered care. Incorporating psychosocial support into fertility treatments may help mitigate emotional burnout and improve overall treatment outcomes. Healthcare providers who are attuned to the relational dimension of infertility can become better advocates for comprehensive care.
The study also holds significance for policymakers and advocacy organizations. In many regions, reproductive health policies are focused primarily on access to medical interventions, neglecting the emotional and relational needs of couples. The findings can inform policies that promote integrated care approaches, such as including marital counseling as a routine part of infertility treatment. This may also lead to greater social awareness and reduce the stigma associated with childlessness in marriage.
For academic and scholarly communities, this research contributes to the interdisciplinary dialogue between medicine, psychology, sociology, and family studies. It encourages a deeper investigation into how reproductive challenges intersect with social expectations, gender norms, and emotional well-being. By documenting real-life experiences and relational patterns, the study can serve as a foundation for future research in the field of marital health and infertility.
Ultimately, the significance of this study lies in its potential to validate and give voice to the lived experiences of couples navigating infertility. Many couples suffer in silence, isolated by shame, societal pressure, and emotional pain. By bringing these challenges to light, the research promotes compassion, support, and constructive dialogue. In doing so, it empowers couples, professionals, and communities to engage with infertility not just as a medical issue, but as a deeply human one with far-reaching implications for marriage and family life.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study examines infertility and its effect on marriage. The study is limited to residents of Mushin LGA, Lagos.
1.8. Operational Definition of Terms
Infertility: Infertility is the inability of a couple to conceive a child after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It may result from factors affecting either the male, the female, or both partners and can be classified as primary (no prior pregnancies) or secondary (difficulty conceiving after a previous pregnancy).
Effect: An effect is the result or outcome that occurs due to a specific cause or action. In the context of relationships, it refers to the impact one factor—such as infertility—has on another, such as emotional health, behavior, or marital dynamics.
Marriage: Marriage is a legally and/or culturally recognized union between two individuals that establishes rights and obligations between them. It typically involves emotional, social, legal, and often religious commitments, and it serves as a foundation for forming a family and raising children in many societies.