Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Professor, Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education & Psychology, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran. Email: rajabireza@scu.ac.ir
2 h.D Candidate in Counseling, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology and Counseling, University of Yazd, Yazd
Abstract
Background: Primary infertility is a major reproductive health concern which affects many aspects of life. Despite advances in infertility treatments, limited attention has been given to understanding infertile women’s lived experiences. This study aimed to explore and identify the core experiential components of primary infertility based on women’s lived experiences.
Methods: This qualitative study employed a descriptive phenomenological approach and was conducted during 2023–2024 in Yazd Province, Iran. Participants included 15 women diagnosed with primary infertility who were receiving care at infertility treatment centers affiliated with Yazd University of Medical Sciences. Purposive, criterion-based sampling was used. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured individual interviews. Interviews were analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step phenomenological method with the assistance of MAXQDA 2020 software. The trustworthiness of the findings was ensured using Lincoln and Guba’s criteria.
Results: The lived experiences of women with primary infertility were organized into seven main themes: (1) psychological and emotional impact; (2) impact on identity and self-esteem; (3) impact on marital relationships and spousal support; (4) social and cultural impact; (5) economic and practical burden; (6) coping strategies and belief management; and (7) acceptance and redefinition of life meaning.
Conclusion: Primary infertility represents a profound psychological and social challenge for women, and significant gaps remain in providing comprehensive, holistic care that addresses its non-medical dimensions. The findings of this study highlight the need to integrate psychological counseling, culturally sensitive psychosocial support, and couple-based interventions into infertility services to enhance women’s resilience and overall quality of life.
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