Psychological distress, but not single-time endocrine stress markers, is associated with unexplained infertility: a prospective case–control study - Report - MDSpire
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Psychological distress, but not single-time endocrine stress markers, is associated with unexplained infertility: a prospective case–control study
Association of Psychological Distress with Unexplained Infertility
Overview
This study investigates the relationship between psychological distress and unexplained infertility, noting that women with unexplained infertility exhibit higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to fertile controls. Single-time endocrine stress markers did not show significant differences between the groups.
Background
Unexplained infertility affects a significant proportion of couples and poses both clinical and psychological challenges. Women facing this condition often experience elevated levels of psychological distress.
Data Highlights
Measure
Unexplained Infertility Group
Fertile Controls
p-value
HADS-Anxiety
Higher
Lower
< 0.05
HADS-Depression
Higher
Lower
< 0.05
HADS-defined psychological distress prevalence
76.0%
42.3%
0.001
Cortisol levels
No significant difference
No significant difference
N/A
DHEAS levels
No significant difference
No significant difference
N/A
Key Findings
Women with unexplained infertility had significantly higher HADS-Anxiety and HADS-Depression scores compared to fertile controls.
76.0% of women with unexplained infertility met the criteria for clinically relevant psychological distress.
No significant differences were found in serum cortisol, DHEAS, or anti-Müllerian hormone levels between groups.
Psychological distress was independently associated with unexplained infertility (adjusted OR 3.907).
Single-time measurements of cortisol and DHEAS showed limited ability to identify psychological distress.
Clinical Implications
Psychological assessment should be considered in the evaluation of women with unexplained infertility.
Conclusion
This study highlights the association between psychological factors and unexplained infertility, while noting the limitations of single-time endocrine stress markers.
