Anyone who has ever experienced a battle with infertility knows all too well just how taxing the process of trying to achieve a pregnancy can be.
Of course, infertility has obvious physical ramifications. But the truth is the effects of infertility run much deeper than most people may realize.
According to a recent survey conducted by GfK Roper, infertility can have dramatic negative psychological effects on both men and women.
According to the survey, more than 70 percent of women say that infertility makes them feel “flawed.” And women are not alone, as half (50 percent) of men surveyed say that infertility gives them a feeling of inadequacy as well.
Other notable data from the survey include:
– 53 percent of couples say they hide negative feelings about infertility from their partner
– 61 percent say they try to hide their feelings from family/friends
– 34 percent say they are less able to “confide their feelings” in others due to their struggles with infertility
– 65 percent say they “never considered” the possibility of infertility before trying to get pregnant
This study shows that infertility can have a profound impact on a person’s life – far beyond the obvious issue of achieving pregnancy. In actuality, a person’s self-esteem, as well as their relationship with their partner and with others, can take a serious hit.
“Couples undergoing fertility treatment often turn inward and stop confiding in family and friends because of the pain involved in talking about their struggle to conceive,” said Barbara Collura, RESOLVE executive director. “It’s important for couples to know that extensive resources exist to support them throughout the process.”
Stress seems to be one of the common results of couples’ battle with infertility, which is notable considering that stress is also one of the common causes of infertility.
In addition, the inability to achieve pregnancy can make sex less appealing for a couple, which can mean a couple has less sex.
These factors can result in a cycle of frustration and can prolong the effects of infertility. And this is why couples who struggle with infertility need to get as much help as possible as they navigate the difficult waters of the process.
If you or someone you know is struggling with infertility, visit the American Society of Reproductive Medicine’s website for help.
For more information on the alternative fertility option known as Embryo Donation and Adoption, visit www.embryoadoption.org.
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