Talking about infertility used to be a hush-hush topic in our society. Couples felt embarrassed and helpless to discuss the matter, even between themselves.
Around 20% to 17% of couples in their reproductive years experience infertility. In the realm of reproductive health, infertility signifies a limitation, but it doesn’t pose a threat to a person’s physical well-being or risk their life.
When women have trouble getting pregnant, they often face extra stigma. People expect women to have babies, so they keep asking when will they start a family. This makes women feel like having kids is their primary job. Even medical terms like "geriatric pregnancy" or "spontaneous miscarriage" add to the feeling of blame and loneliness.
Infertility remains a deeply taboo topic, leaving many women who struggle with it feeling alone. The problem with infertility is that it involves discussing sensitive body parts, which can be uncomfortable for people.
We are naturally wired to want to have babies, so it is frustrating when our bodies don’t cooperate. Infertility can make you feel inadequate or different because your body isn’t doing what it’s supposed to. That’s why it often brings feelings of shame along with it.
We often mistakenly believe that infertility is solely a woman’s issue because it’s her body where the embryo grows. When couples struggle to conceive, initial tests often focus on the woman. However, scientific studies show that infertility is equally caused by male and female factors, each contributing 50%. It’s important to remember that conception relies on both egg and sperm quality, so assessing sperm health is crucial for fertility treatments. Both couples and specialists need to closely monitor semen analysis results to improve their chances of success.
In recent days, things have changed. Many people are coming forward and opening up about their struggles with infertility. Even celebrities are spreading awareness regarding infertility.
New fertility treatments, like IVF, have also made a difference. Advanced technologies give hope to people who are struggling to conceive. These treatment choices show that infertility is a medical issue rather than a personal failure.
Still, people face problems regarding infertility. Some cultures and religions still look down on infertility. And not everyone has a chance to afford the treatment or get the help they need.
To continue breaking the taboo surrounding infertility, prioritize education, advocacy, and support. Comprehensive sex education classes can help debunk myths and misconceptions about infertility. It helps individuals make decisions about their reproductive health.
Social workers must work to ensure equitable access to fertility treatments and mental health services for all individuals and couples struggling with infertility. It is very crucial to break the taboo surrounding infertility and make it a normal topic of conversation. Recent years have seen a rise in infertility rates worldwide, with WHO data indicating that between 48 million couples and 186 million individuals are affected globally.
Every person deserves the highest standard of physical and mental health, including the right to decide when and how to have children. Infertility can hinder the realization of these fundamental human rights. Thus, addressing infertility is vital for ensuring that individuals and couples can exercise their right to start a family.
Let's break the silence and help each other out. Together, we can create a more compassionate and supportive society for those who are navigating the journey of infertility.
