Psychological stress and infertility. Part 1: Psychophysiological reaction patterns.

The relationship between emotional stress and infertility was investigated in a study of 59 infertile female patients. Comparisons were made between a functional group (n = 22), an organic group (n = 32) and a fertile group (n = 5). No significant differences in basal pulse volume, heart rate, skin resistance and muscle tension were found. The normal group showed significantly higher heart rate reactivity to sound stimulation than the functional group. It was concluded that the functional group (contrary to expectations) did not show increased tension and lability in smooth and skeletal musculature.