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Surrounding People´s Reaction to a Couple Dealing with the Problem of Involuntary Childlessness
HEŘMANOVÁ, Bohuslava
Infertility is described as a condition in which a couple for at least one year, despite regular unprotected sexual intercourse, fails to become pregnant. It currently affects about 15% of couples. Acceptance of the diagnosis and subsequent treatment is a huge strain both in physical and mental aspects. People dealing with the problem of involuntary childlessness are usually very sensitive to the response of surrounding people. In the theoretical section infertility is defined as a disease, its causes are mentioned and possible solutions discussed. Assisted reproduction and substitute family care are described. Exercises using the method of L. Moses, spa treatment, alternative treatment options, and childlessness are also included. Communication of an infertile couple with surrounding people is described. The psychosocial impact of involuntary childlessness is also mentioned. The objective of the thesis was to survey surrounding people´s reactions on an infertile couple´s diagnosis and subsequent therapy. Another objective was to determine whether these couples feel the need to notify other people of their diagnosis and of the course of treatment, and what reaction they expect. A qualitative research strategy was chosen. The data collection was carried out using semi-structured interviews with couples who in their past had to deal with the problem of a not fulfilling parenthood. Eight couples and one woman participated in the research survey. The obtained data were evaluated by the qualitative content analysis. It has been found that an infertile couple feels surrounding people´s interest in the assisted reproduction treatment, its possibilities and progress, but also in its financial cost. Adoption is regarded as heroism, charity or foolishness from the perspective of the public. The research has shown that women in infertile couples have a greater need than men to share the infertility diagnosis and possible solutions with their close people. They also expect their close people´s assistance in the form of support, understanding and the possibility to share their experience as for the effort to get a child. These findings have answered the research questions and both the stated objectives were met. This bachelor thesis could be used by midwifery students, midwives and infertile couples as a source of information on the difficulties in communication between an involuntarily childless couple and surrounding people.
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