Objective: to evaluate the adaptive efficacy of men and women inserted in an in vitro fertilization program (IVFP). Methods: Fifty-seven couples were evaluated, being 57 infertile women and their respective fertile partners, from March to October of 2002, from a Center of Human Reproduction. Questionnaire was employed to elicit socio-demographic data. The Operationalized Adaptive Diagnostic Scale (EDAO) was used for the diagnosis of adaptation. Statistical analysis was performed using T test and qui-square test. A significance level of 5% was adopted. Results: Regardless presenting few difficulties, men showed a better adaptation than women. Regarding the diagnosis, 64.9% men and 52.6% were classified in "Light Ineffective Adaptation" and "Severe Ineffective Adaptation", respectively (p=0.000). It was observed that 20.2% of the subjects were in crisis: 8.8% of the men and 31.6% of the women (p=0.002). Conclusions: Men had a better adaptive efficacy compared to the women during IVFP. It was suggested the need for preventive psychological attendance, and specific interventions during the crisis.
Adaptation; emotional crisis; infertility
