Distress of infertile males after fertility workup: a longitudinal study.
OBJECTIVE
Former research has revealed that distress declines after fertility workup. It was the aim of the present study to explore whether this decline depends on such aspects as the diagnosis or the former usage of fertility services.


METHODS
Patients attending an andrological clinic filled out questionnaires on distress and coping behaviour at clinic attendance as well as 4 months later.


RESULTS
For distress scores there was an interaction between time and former usage of infertility services, indicating that only first-time consulters show a decline in distress after fertility workup. No impact of diagnosis on distress scores could be detected. Generally, patients showed a decrease of active coping behaviour after fertility workup, along with a greater tendency to accept infertility as one's fate.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings indicate that there are different processes working in first-time and repeat consulters with respect to the course of distress.
Pook
Martin
M
Department of Psychology, University of Siegen, Germany. pook@psychologie.uni-siegen.de
Krause
Walter
W
Drescher
Silke
S
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010808:Physical Examination; D013315:Stress, Psychological