Work

Psychological distress in women with primary and secondary infertility: a comparative analysis of depression, anxiety, and stress

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) are reproductive disorders frequently linked to psychological distress. This study compared the severity of depression, anxiety, and stress levels between women with PCOS and RPL and assessed their association with years of marriage. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study conducted a random sampling method on 157 women (PCOS: 70; RPL: 87) attending the Obstetrics and Gynecology OPD at IMS BHU, Varanasi. Psychological status was assessed using the DASS-21 scale, a reliable tool widely used in reproductive health research. Chi-square test and independent sample t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Mean scores were significantly higher in RPL than in PCOS: depression (10.7 ± 3.5 vs. 8.8 ± 4.3, p = 0.003), anxiety (13.3 ± 3.8 vs. 10.7 ± 5.5, p = 0.001), and stress (12.3 ± 4.4 vs. 10.3 ± 6.1, p = 0.007). Marriage duration was significantly longer among women with severe depression (RPL: 8.4 ± 5.2 yrs.; PCOS: 6.3 ± 3.1 yrs), anxiety (RPL: 8.6 ± 5.1 yrs.; PCOS: 7.1 ± 3.3 yrs), and stress (RPL: 9.0 ± 5.2 yrs.; PCOS: 6.3 ± 3.1 yrs), all p < 0.05. Age was higher in RPL patients (p = 0.024); LH was higher in PCOS (p = 0.000). No significant differences were observed in AMH or BMI. Psychological symptoms were more severe among women with RPL, and a longer duration of marriage was associated with greater symptom severity. Marriage duration was significantly higher in women classified with severe depression, anxiety, and stress based on DASS-21 scores, indicating a correlational rather than causal relationship. Conclusion: Routine psychological assessment is recommended for women with PCOS and RPL. Early identification of psychological distress may help improve overall reproductive and emotional health outcomes in these patients.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1703256

Authors: Shraddha Chaurasiya, Royana Singh, Bajarang Bahadur, Surbhi Singh, Varsha Maurya, Sangeeta Rai

Institutions: Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University

Language: English

Topic: Reproductive Health and Technologies

Subfield: Reproductive Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801