SOME SOCIOCULTURAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL-ASPECTS OF INFERTILITY

A link is suggested to exist between any unexplained or relatively une xplained lowering of fertility and an inner sensitivity, largely or wh olly unconscious, to some situation that renders it an unsuitable time or place for the individual or couple to allow the arrival of a baby. The psycho-social and intra-psychic processes involved in such situat ions can be quite subtle, and the question of their neuroendocrinologi cal connections presents an intriguing area for future research. Some sociological, anthropological and psycho-analytical findings relevant for this theme are outlined here. Three illustrative vignettes are pre sented, the clinical material on which the findings are based is summa rized briefly, and a discussion is held about what appears to be requi red in treatment.