Infertility and How it Affects Your Mental Health
What is Infertility?
Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system which is medically defined as “the failure to achieve a pregnancy after twelve months or more of regular unprotected sex” (John Hopkins, 2023). Infertility affects millions of people and the impact on their families is devastating. Infertility in the male reproductive system is most common with problems in the erection of semen (absence of or low levels of sperm, or abnormality – which is often termed ‘morphology’). Also, male factors include the movement of the sperm – often called ‘motility.’ In the female reproductive system, infertility may be caused by a range of abnormalities and disorders of the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, and even the endocrine system. While both genders can play a vital role in infertility, it is often the women who are targeted due to their age – being 35 years old or older raises red flags for reproductive endocrinologists and OBYNS. Addressing infertility within the medical community can mitigate gender inequality. Although both women and men can experience infertility, women in a relationship with a man are often perceived to suffer from infertility, regardless of whether they are infertile or not. Infertility has significant negative social impacts on the lives of infertile couples and particularly women, who frequently experience violence, divorce, social stigma, emotional stress, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
What Causes Infertility?
Infertility may be caused by several different factors which can stem anywhere from autoimmune disorders to medical disorders. Environmental and lifestyle factors, such as excessive alcohol intake, substance abuse/misuse, chemotherapy, radiation, sexually transmitted diseases, age, and smoking can affect one’s fertility. Even environmental factors can directly cause fertility problems, leading to infertility. WHO (World Health Organization) reports that Fertility care encompasses the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility. Equal and equitable access to fertility care remains a challenge in most countries, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Fertility care is rarely prioritized in national universal health coverage benefit package (2023).
Medical Models and Change
The fact remains that many people can conceive due to the growing number of options that were established by the medical model. Some of the most common ways include Invitrofertilization (IVF) and Assisted Reproductive Therapy (ART), fertility medications, and even surgery. While these treatments range in costs, there are programs that can help with financing and thus enhance the success rate (s). The reality and sadness that engulfs families when discussing the financial cost (s) that are associated with assistance in conceiving a family can be very difficult to hear and people are often left feeling isolated, depressed, or even angry.
Treating Infertility in Counseling
Although treatment is available for many causes of infertility, many people do not address their mental health when thinking about the process, consultation with medical providers, and what to say to their family members. The reality is that many doctors are ill-equipped with the psychological repercussions of infertility. That is why reaching out for support is essential as people undergo the process. Support groups, individual counseling, and researching, can all be essential tools for those needing the support that they truly deserve. As someone who underwent infertility gas lighting by the medical community, family, and friends; I can attest the importance of advocating your needs and the direct correlation to your mental health. I am here to support you along whatever journey life takes you.
Written by: Lital Diament, LMFT, MT #56973
A mom, therapist, and an IVF mama