RESUMO
With this research it was endeavoured to gain more knowledge about the experiences of women during the treatment of infertility. The midwife and other medical staff involved with the treatment of infertility can use this knowledge to have better insight into the total problem of these women and also care for and support them better. A study of the literature was done to determine what the experts have already ascertained of this phenomenon. An in-depth study of the phenomenon was undertaken in which the autobiographical method was used. During April 1989 unstructured interviews were conducted with six selected infertile women living in the Witwaterand area. From the findings of this research it appears that infertile women have unique experiences of their infertility and the treatment of it. Universal experiences, e.g. pain and disappointment were identified, although the causes of these experiences sometimes differed. Recommendations were made on how the midwife can contribute by filling the gap (established during the research) in the care in this field. Suggestions were also made with regard to further research on this phenomenon.
