Gender differences and perceptions about childbearing among infertile couples.

OBJECTIVE

To explore gender differences and responses of infertile couples to childbearing issues.

DESIGN

Data analysis from the first wave of a larger three-wave prospective panel study. Face-to-face interviews with both husbands and wives were conducted.

SETTING

Husbands and wives were interviewed separately in their homes. One was generally interviewed immediately after the other.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred sixty-one infertile couples in southeastern Michigan were interviewed in 1988.

MEASURES

Variables of interest included the self-recognized source of the fertility problem, the importance of children to individuals, stress associated with infertility treatment, the number of tests and treatments received, the acceptability of indicated treatments, the length of time couples expected it would take to have a child, and the ideal and expected number of children.

RESULTS

Women experienced significantly more stress from tests and treatment, placed greater importance on having children, were more accepting of indicated treatments, and wanted more children than men did.

CONCLUSIONS

Implications for nurses working with infertile couples are discussed, including provision of emotional support, evaluation of perceptions of success, assessment of couples' expectations, and inclusion of husbands in decision making.