Exploring Psycho-social Dimensions of Infertility: A Qualitative Study of Challenges and Coping Mechanisms among Urban Women

Abstract

Infertility remains one of the most overlooked reproductive health concerns, disrupting the natural reproductive processes of both men and women due to medical, physiological or environmental causes. The inability to conceive often generates multidimensional challenges that extend beyond the biological realm. This qualitative study aimed to explore the psychosocial difficulties and coping mechanisms of women experiencing infertility. Using a snowball sampling approach, ten women with primary infertility residing in metropolitan Lahore were recruited. After obtaining informed consent, semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio-recorded and subsequently transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis revealed four overarching themes: (1) the psychosocial challenges of infertility, (2) infertility as a lifelong crisis, (3) the significance of support systems and (4) coping strategies. The findings highlight infertility as a complex biomedical and psychosocial condition that adversely influences women’s physical well-being, emotional health, financial stability and spousal relationships. Regardless of socioeconomic status or medical etiology, participants described infertility as an enduring life crisis. Familial and spousal networks emerged as the most consistent sources of moral, emotional and financial support. Participants also employed diverse problem-focused and emotion-focused coping mechanisms including medical, traditional, spiritual and social strategies.