The author interviewed 16 couples after the husband had been diagnosed
as infertile. Eleven husbands experienced a period of impotency. Fourteen
of the women experienced anger toward the husband, psychiatric symptoms,
and/or dreams about their concern for the husband, a wish to be rid of him,
and guilt over this wish. Ten couples had decided to pursue donor
insemination; 6 had delayed 1 3/4 to 4 years after the diagnosis of
infertility and had a better adjustment than 3 of the 4 couples who did
not. The author believes that the total secrecy involved in donor
insemination inhibits the working through of conflicts about infertility
and donor insemination itself.Abstract Teaser