Chapter 30 - Psychological issues of infertility and assisted reproductive technology

Summary

Many couples whose infertility treatment requires in-vitro fertilization (IVF) also need intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) as a part of the procedure. In many respects ICSI has revolutionized infertility treatment as a whole. Both research data and clinical experience have shown that providing a sperm sample during this crucial stage of IVF/ICSI treatment could increase performance anxiety for both fertile and infertile men. The successful use of assisted reproductive technologies over the past 25 years or more has brought with it procedures that allow couples who cannot conceive using their own gametes the alternative of achieving pregnancy through the use of donated oocytes, donated sperm, and even donated embryos. The psychological evaluation is also intended to rule out gross psychopathology and depression, potential substance abuse, as well as a history of current or past family violence or abuse. Marital stability is also assessed within the context of the consultation.