Infertility

Chronic medical conditions can have profound effects on people beyond just biological symptoms or physical incapacitation. These restricting conditions, [Page 851]such as the inability to have a child, can affect one’s thoughts, moods, emotions, behaviors, relationships, families, and ability to make meaning or sense out of significant life events. Infertility, or involuntary childlessness, is a prime example of a medical condition that has whole-person influence and implications for whole-person treatment. Viewing infertility through a biopsychosocial-spiritual lens can guide those involved in the treatment of this condition toward a more complete, collaborative, and family-centered approach to care. In this entry, the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of infertility will be discussed, as well as available treatment options.