Psychoanalytic considerations of fertility and sexuality in contraception
Pollock, G.H.
Israel Annals of Psychiatry and Related Disciplines 10(3): 203-229
1972
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-1958 PMID: 4532979 Document Number: 481212
This paper discusses fertility, sexuality, and creativity from the point of view of the practicing psychiatrist, particularly one specializing in psychoanalysis. The wish for fertility has been frequently related to religious rituals and social customs. Although man wishes controlled fertility, he seemingly has not dared to entrust this capacity to potentially wrathful or vengeful deities. The author notes that in ancient Egypt many amulets to produce conception have been found but none to prevent it. Instead he tries to control his numbers by various means. As we become increasingly involved with national and international family planning policies and programs, it may be important to recognize that societal and individual emotional and psychological factors are involved in the effective use of contraception. Successful contraception depends upon functioning in accordance with the reality principle, that includes future oriented and relatively conflict-free behavior. When there is underlying psychopathology, symptoms may appear in sexual behavior, including the success, failure, and method of type of contraceptive practice utilized.