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What Everyone Should Know About Infertility
No More: What Everyone Should Know About Infertility
Infertility affects approximately 10% of the population. Since infertility
strikes diverse groups-affecting people from all socioeconomic levels and
cutting across all racial, ethnic and religious lines- chances are great
that a friend, relative, neighbor or perhaps you are attempting to cope
with the medical and emotional aspects of infertility.
Hidden No More
The Hidden Aspects of Infertility
Infertility can be a major life crisis. The infertility experience involves
many hidden losses for individuals, their loved ones, and society as a
whole, including:
Loss of the pregnancy and birth experience
Loss of a genetic legacy and loss for future contributing citizens of the
next generation
Loss of the parenting experience
Loss of a grandparenting relationship
Loss of feelings of self-worth
Loss of stability in family and personal relationships
Loss of work productivity
Loss of a sense of spirituality and sense of hope for the future
Because infertility often involves major personal life issues and decisions,
it is often experienced as a private matter, and is not ordinarily
discussed in public forums. The personal nature of the infertility
experience contributes to the failure of society to recognize infertility
as a disease thus creating a lack of sound knowledge about infertility.
The Hidden Effects of Infertility on Self-Esteem and Relationships
Infertility has a strong impact on self-esteem. Suddenly your life, which
may have been well planned and successful, seems out of control. Not only
is the physical body not responding as expected but it feels as if your
entire life is on hold. Facing the disappointment of not becoming pregnant
month after month can lead to depression. Studies have shown that infertility
depression levels can rival those of cancer.
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