Influences of various variables on body image satisfaction among highly fertile women and infertile women

Abstract

Objective: Involuntarily not being able to conceive a child has always been a social stigma which has resulted in emotional trauma and relationship strain. Body image is affected by infertility. Although several studies have revealed emotional stress in infertile individuals in Turkey and compared western and eastern societies' view of body image in infertile women, a comparison between highly fertile and infertile women has never been made before. Herein, we aimed to compare body image perception between infertile women and highly fertile women in the southeast part of Turkey. Method: In this study, 67 infertile and 59 highly fertile (women having children more than 5) women were enrolled. Body Image Scale was applied to both groups. Some sociodemo-graphic information such as age, smoking status, and difficulties experienced in infertility processes were evaluated. Results: We showed that Body Image Scale scores including sexual power were significantly higher in highly fertile women. Body image was not associated with the gender of the child/children. The infertile group was found to have less smoking rates than the highly fertile group. Discussion: Therefore, the conclusion drawn deduces that body image is negatively affected by infertility and positively affected by high fertility, especially, in societies where having many children is expected and appreciated.