Despite growing awareness, misconceptions about infertility still linger. From outdated assumptions to the stigma around seeking help, it’s time to rethink how we talk about reproductive health and who it affects.
It’s Not Always Obvious
Many people assume that infertility is easily detectable through standard fertility screening, but this is far from the truth. Often, there are no symptoms or signs, making it a silent struggle for many couples. This lack of obvious indicators can lead to delays in seeking help and unnecessary stress.
While women’s reproductive health often dominates discussions about infertility, men can also encounter fertility challenges such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or other underlying physical conditions that lead to infertility. In fact, in many instances, both partners may have contributing factors such as hormonal imbalances, structural problems in the reproductive organs, and even unexplained causes that can all contribute to the condition.
Therefore, seeking professional advice from fertility specialists is essential, as an early assessment combined with the right guidance can help identify root causes and open pathways to the most effective treatment options.
It’s not a personal failure
One of the most harmful misconceptions about infertility is the belief that it is a personal failure, which can lead to feelings of shame and inadequacy. It’s crucial to recognise that infertility is a medical condition, not a character flaw or the result of poor choices or family history.
It’s more than getting treated
Infertility often involves a profound sense of loss and grief. Couples may grieve the loss of their dreams of parenthood and a family that they had envisioned. This grief can be compounded by repeated cycles of hope and disappointment, especially when undergoing fertility treatments. Each negative test result or failed treatment cycle can be devastating.
The uncertainty and unpredictability of infertility can lead to heightened anxiety. Couples may worry about the financial burden of treatments and, at the same time, be anxious about the outcome. This anxiety can be overwhelming and persistent. Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in daily activities are common among those struggling with infertility.
It can affect relationships
Common in Asian cultures, having children is an important part of family life, and infertility can create unnecessary stress and potentially strain couples’ relationships. The pressure to have children can make people feel guilty or ashamed when they cannot conceive. This can sometimes lead to blame, with one partner feeling responsible for the problem. The emotional pain of infertility, combined with cultural expectations, can sometimes make it harder for couples to communicate and support each other, creating more tension and distance in the relationship.
Sometimes, it’s unexplained
Unexplained infertility (UI) occurs when standard fertility tests, such as blood tests to measure ovarian reserve for women and semen analysis for men, fail to identify a clear reason for a couple’s inability to conceive. This diagnosis is often reached after all the tests return normal results. It can be particularly frustrating for couples, leaving them without a clear path forward and without determining the best treatment approach.
While the term “unexplained” suggests a lack of identifiable causes, subtle factors may often be detected through minimally invasive investigations such as hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (ultrasound) and hysterosalpingography (X-ray). Both are recommended by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) to determine whether the fallopian tubes are blocked.
The emotional burden of unexplained infertility can be significant. Couples often experience a range of emotions, from frustration and confusion to grief and isolation. The uncertainty of not knowing the cause can exacerbate these feelings, making emotional support and counseling crucial components of care.
Final Point
Infertility is complicated and affects both men and women. Acknowledging and recognizing the causes helps dispel misconceptions, improve understanding, and feel more confident about proceeding with diagnosis and treatment. By raising awareness and encouraging open conversations, we can support those on their fertility journey and assist them in finding the necessary solutions.
Most importantly, seek professional advice from fertility specialists. Getting assessed early gives you clarity and helps you take the right steps toward finding the most effective treatment for your needs.
