Final answer:
Infertility can lead to significant stress for couples, arising from an inability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. Numerous factors contribute to infertility, including both male and female health issues, and the resulting stress can lead to marital disputes and psychological distress.
Step-by-step explanation:
Partners who experience infertility may encounter a multitude of stress-related issues. Infertility is broadly defined as the inability to conceive a child or carry a child to term after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse. This condition can result from a variety of causes, ranging from sexually transmitted diseases which may scar reproductive tissues, to hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficits, as well as the impact of stress and exposure to certain environmental toxins.
Approximately 30 percent of infertility cases are attributed to female factors, another 30 percent to male factors, and the rest is due to combined problems or unidentified issues. Factors increasing the risk of infertility in women include smoking, stress, poor diet, and advanced age, while in men, risk factors include substance abuse, exposure to toxins, and age as well. Diagnosing infertility involves various tests for both partners to check for potential problems like sperm health in males and ovulation or structural issues in females.
The psychological and social impact of infertility is significant, contributing to marital stress and potentially leading to serious relationship problems. Treatments for infertility, when available, raise additional ethical and financial considerations, particularly in cases where in vitro fertilization is involved. For couples unable to conceive through natural means, alternatives like surrogacy, sperm donation, or adoption may be considered.