Some socio-cultural and psychological aspects of infertility

A link is suggested to exist between any unexplained or relatively unexplained lowering of fertility and an inner sensitivity, largely or wholly unconscious, to some situation that renders it an unsuitable time or place for the individual or couple to allow the arrival of a baby. The psycho-social and intra-psychic processes involved in such situations can be quite subtle, and the question of their neuroendocrinological connections presents an intriguing area for future research. Some sociological, anthropological and psycho-analytical findings relevant for this theme are outlined here. Three illustrative vignettes are presented, the clinical material on which the findings are based is summarized briefly, and a discussion is held about what appears to be required in treatment.