Coping with the stress of infertility: Males versus females

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate ways of coping with stress in infertile men and women. STUDY DESIGN: The study population was composed of 255 women and 238 men (total, 493) admitted to an infertility clinic between May 2012 and December 2012. A questionnaire was used to gather information and the Ways of Coping inventory was used for the evaluation of patients. RESULTS: The mean age of the study population was 28.33±5.59 (mean±SD) for females and 31.60±5.64 for males. We found similar coping scores for men and women in all subscales (Self-confident, Desperate, Obedient, Optimistic, Social Support Seeking) (p>0.05). The variables affected Coping with Stress Scores in a similar way for both women and men except for “age” and “the desire for psychological support.” The Optimistic approach score was worse in men over age 35 and better in those desiring psychological support in both sexes (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Infertile men and women use similar coping strategies and have similar coping scores. They mainly use active strategies at a moderate level. Increasing age in the male group, and lack of desire for psychological support in both sexes, are the factors negatively affecting the Optimistic approach scores. © Journal of Reproductive Medicine®, Inc..