Comparative characteristics of reproductive function in mentally healthy and mentally ill women with infertility

Abstract

Background. Issues of the relationship and interaction of menstrual and reproductive function and the mental state of women are not sufficiently studied and need additional research. Aim. To conduct a comparative assessment of individual indicators of reproductive function in mentally healthy and mentally ill women with infertility. Materials and methods. Of the 348 women with primary and secondary infertility aged 21 to 40 included in the study, 120 had been treated for a psychiatric disorder in a psychiatric hospital before this study. Patients were clinically evaluated using a specially designed questionnaire card and subsequent statistical processing of the results obtained. Results. The menstrual-generative function of patients in the study groups significantly differed in several indicators. Mentally ill women with primary infertility were characterized by a later age of menarche, menstruation irregularity or absence during the disease exacerbation, scanty menstruations or heavy menstrual bleeding, inadequate emotional response to menarche, and irregularity and dissatisfaction with sexual life. Spontaneous miscarriages and stillbirths were more common in mentally ill women, especially those with endogenous diseases (schizophrenia, affective disorders), and abortions and gynecological operations were more common in mentally healthy women. Predictors of infertility related to mental health were early onset and chronic course of mental disorder, severity and duration of the disease exacerbations, short and incomplete remissions, and personality changes or a defect (schizophrenic) due to mental illness. Conclusion. Menstrual and reproductive functions of women depend on their mental state. In women with mental conditions, menstrual function disorders, along with psychopathological symptoms of diseases (a decrease in sexual vigor, communication, anesthesia of feelings), and decreased social and family adaptation, lead to reproductive function disorders. Improving a woman's mental state can contribute to the recovery of her reproductive function.