This master's thesis investigates how couples cope with infertility, emphasizing their lived experiences and the evolution of their partner relationships throughout this journey. Additionally, it explores the various forms of support and assistance couples receive during their struggle with infertility. The theoretical framework identifies four central themes: infertility, the experience of infertility, the impact on the partner relationship, and support and help for infertile couples. Each theme is elaborated upon in dedicated sub-chapters.
The empirical research component employs qualitative analysis of eight interviews with couples who have faced or are currently facing infertility. The study aims to understand their experiences with infertility and infertility treatments, the changes these experiences bring, the transformation of their partner relationships, and the support and help they have received. The findings are presented under several themes: the decision-making process regarding having a child, the experience of infertility and its treatment, changes induced by infertility, societal pressures and expectations, infertility as a taboo, the general state of the partner relationship, discussions about infertility, and various forms of support and help from loved ones and professionals, including desired forms and their impact.
The research reveals that infertility profoundly affects couples, with women experiencing greater difficulty and stress. The ordeal introduces significant changes, negative emotions, frequent adjustments to the experience and treatments, decreased relaxation, and increased focus on life planning. Couples also face added distress from societal pressures and expectations. Despite these challenges, their relationships often grow stronger and deeper through the infertility experience. Support from partners, family, friends, and professionals plays a crucial role in helping couples accept their situation, maintain hope, and continue striving for a positive outcome.
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