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Summary of Infertility

Infertility is classified as a term used by doctors when a woman is unable to become pregnant over the time frame of one year. If a woman is able to become pregnant, however experiences miscarriages or still birth’s then it is also classified as infertility. Infertility is a common issue, and is growing throughout the world due to many factors. On average 75 percent of infertility between a couple is linked to the female and only 25 percent of the time it is found to be linked to the male. There have been numerous cases where no significant cause had been found and the couple could not conceive by any means possible. There are many existent treatments for infertility, however some are more successful than others. Drugs and surgical operations are the most commonly used, and also found to be the most successful.Infertility in females could be due to a wide range of causes, however these are few common one: ovulation disorders, uterine or cervical abnormalities, pelvic adhesion,thyroid problems and polycystic ovary syndrome. Infertility is often overlooked and considered not to be severe, however it destroys the lives of many females. Infertility not only brings physical loss but also many physiological effects that often last a lifetime.. This section is linked to Infertility in polycystic ovary syndrome

Physiological Effects of Infertility on Females

Effects on self

Feelings such as stress, failure and anger are commonly experienced among infertile females. Numerous studies have demonstrated the incidence of depression in infertile females to be higher than fertile females. Anxiety has also be seen to be significantly higher in infertile females when compared to fertile females. Due to societal stereotypes, women begin to feel as if they are failures. Even when infertile women are not consciously thinking about their condition, their unconscious mind is, the result of this often leads to: lack of energy, headaches, irritability, insomnia and inability to concentrate. Together, these factors often lead to females suffering depression.

Effects on relationships

Infertility is a dreaded experience among couples hoping to create their own family. Infertility may create distance between couples, as both individuals may wish to cope with the situation differently. For instance, the female may want move on and forget the idea of ever having a child, while the male may wish to talk about the issue and keep trying. These differences may result in different point of views and conflict.. The couple may even begin blaming each other for the infertility, resulting in negative feelings toward one another. Upon discovery of infertility, the female may become emotionally unstable, making it difficult for her partner to cope with her. Being emotionally unstable may also result in an increase of fights and arguments, putting strain on the relationship. The sense of distance and conflict may lead to a low satisfaction and interest in their sex lives, without intimacy the relationship or marriage may fail. Sexual dysfunction may increase as the couple’s anxiety to conceive increases.

Factors that Impact Psychological Infertility Effects

Society

Infertility is a heartbreaking issue itself, however societal pressures make infertility far more difficult to cope with. The Social Clock, provides certain ages, where society states an individual should be married and have children, this often leads to females feeling stigmatized. Due to being stigmatized to society, females find it difficult to admit to others why they do not have children. Feelings such as shame, embarrassment and failure are common.

Culture

Many cultures across the world have strict expectations on when a female should be married and have her own family, and if not is seen as a disgrace. As of result, females feel stigmatized from their own family and culture. This is extremely harmful to a females mental health, as this is the time she needs family support and the guidance the most. Ultimately, this worsens the circumstances of many women.