Living with permanent infertility: A German study on attitudes toward motherhood in individuals with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) and Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKHS)

  • Maike Fliegner
  • Hertha Richter-Appelt
  • Kerstin Krupp
  • Sara Y Brucker
  • Katharina Rall
  • Franziska Brunner

Abstract

In this study the authors examined the issue of permanent infertility in two diagnoses of the diverse sex developments (DSD) spectrum: Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) and Mayer-Rokitansky-KÏster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKHS). The participants with CAIS (n = 12) was older, showed a lower wish for a child and was less distressed about their infertility compared to participants with MRKHS (n = 49). Our data indicated an "indifferent" attitude toward motherhood in CAIS and an "ambivalent" attitude in MRKHS. Depression was frequent in both. Infertility is a source of distress. However, the two groups seem to cope in different ways. Comprehensive medical information and psychological support should be provided.

Bibliographical data

Original languageEnglish
ISSN0739-9332
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11.2018
PubMed 30362901