Each year, the month of June is dedicated to raising awareness for the often silent struggle individuals and couples face: infertility. In our society where folks are often announcing their pregnancy or newborns, those who struggle with infertility can be further isolated, or made to feel as though they cannot share their own emotional turmoil, physical, or social impacts. As we continue to navigate the month of June this year and in years to come, it is crucial to understand the complexity of infertility as well as the abundance of misinformation around the same, and commemorate the resilient individuals who journey through these challenges.
What is Infertility?
Plainly speaking, infertility is defined as a medical condition that can affect the male or female reproductive system, making it difficult to get pregnant. For those with male reproductive organs, infertility tends to be caused by problems within the ejection of semen, absence or low levels of sperm, or abnormal shape/movement of the sperm. For those with female reproductive organs, there is a range of things that can cause infertility such as abnormalities with the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, endocrine system, etc. Aside from biological influences, there are other factors that can cause infertility such as medical conditions like endometriosis and PCOS as well as genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and
environmental influences. Infertility is much more than a medical condition and it affects millions of people with implications on the mind, body, and soul. Although there are many efforts to treat the medical implications of infertility, it is important to recognize the mental health of those impacted by infertility.
Emotional Impacts
Infertility can be devastating to those impacted. Although everyone experiences it differently, infertility can typically be met with feelings of inadequacy, shame, guilt, etc. These feelings are often met with challenges from societal expectations and insensitive remarks from others. This can further isolate those struggling with infertility, and encourage them to remain silent. Support groups are highly encouraged for those struggling with infertility as well as partnership with healthcare providers who can provide holistic care in supporting every unique element of this journey. Postpartum Support International hosts a Fertility Challenges support group every week for those who have been trying to conceive for 6+ months. This same organization has a directory of different providers from mental health clinicians, primary care physicians, etc. who are trained in working with those at all stages of the reproductive spectrum including infertility. World Infertility Awareness Month encourages efforts in breaking the silence, challenging myths, promoting accurate education, and validating the feelings and experiences of those navigating infertility.
Myths
There is ample misinformation spread about what those experiencing infertility look like, as well as different notions that invalidate their experience. A common misconception is that infertility only impacts those with female reproductive organs. This is absolutely false. According to the National Institute of Health, one-third of infertility cases are due to female reproductive complications, one-third are due to male reproductive complications, and one-third are due to both parties or an unknown cause. As we can see, infertility impacts those with female reproductive organs and male reproductive organs at the same rate. There are also many sentiments displayed in popular media that are invalidating to those experiencing infertility. Some of these include, “Just relax and you’ll get pregnant,” or “Stop trying so hard!” amongst other comparisons to others that feel very discouraging. It’s human nature to want to say the “right” thing that will make someone’s problems disappear, but sometimes the best we can do is listen, understand, and provide support to those we care about. More common infertility myths can be found here as well as the facts to back them up.
Advocating and Moving Forward
As we move forward into the month of June this year and in years to come, let us commit to fostering an inclusive and understanding space for those experiencing infertility. We can advocate for those navigating this journey by breaking the silence, supporting one another with empathy and compassion, and promoting proper education around this issue. By
raising our voices, sharing knowledge, and offering unwavering support, we can create a world where infertility is met with empathy, understanding, and hope. Together, we can break barriers and illuminate paths to parenthood for all.
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