An examination of infertile women's perspectives on marital life, coping strategies for relationship problems, and psychological support needs

This study was conducted to understand the marital satisfaction and coping styles of infertile women. It examines the impact of infertility on women's spousal relationships, psychological well-being, coping strategies, and attitudes toward psychological counseling services. The research employed a qualitative phenomenological design. The study group consisted of 10 women diagnosed with either unexplained or medically confirmed infertility, all of whom had undergone treatment. Data were collected through semi-structured interview questions directed at the participants and analyzed using content analysis. According to the findings, most infertile women reported increased marital satisfaction when they received emotional support from their spouses. Some participants mentioned experiencing communication issues and sexual problems during the process. The women stated that they used coping mechanisms such as spiritual orientation, social support, and strategic avoidance. They emphasized the necessity of providing psychological counseling concurrently with medical treatment.This study reveals that infertility is not only a medical condition but also a psychosocial crisis that significantly affects individuals. It highlights the importance of psychological counseling during the infertility process, particularly due to its considerable impact on marital relationships. Keywords: Infertility, Women, Marital Satisfaction, Coping Styles, Infertility Counseling