Having a baby after fertility issues cuts risk of divorce

New research has revealed that women who have a child after experiencing fertility problems are more likely to remain with their partner following infertility evaluations.

The study, which was published by Wiley on behalf of the Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology, indicates that after 12 years of follow-up, nearly 27% of women were no longer living with the partner they had at the time of fertility evaluation if they did not have a child.

"Prior studies show that fertility problems may cause marital or sexual distress for couples, which may potentially lead to separation or divorce,” said lead author Trille Kristina Kjaer with the Unit of Survivorship at the Danish Cancer Society Research Center in Copenhagen, Denmark. “Our study investigated if women who did not have a child after a fertility evaluation were likely to end the relationship with that partner.”

Of the women in the study, 57% gave birth to at least one child following the initial infertility treatment, while 43% did not give birth.

During the first 12 years following the fertility assessment the women who did not have a child were up to three times more likely to divorce or end the relationship with the person with whom they were living at the time of the evaluation, compared to women who had a child.

Dr. Kjaer concluded: “Our findings suggest that not having a child after fertility treatment may adversely affect the duration of a relationship for couples with fertility issues. Further investigations that account for marital quality and relational wellbeing of couples with fertility problems are now needed.”

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