Infertility is medically defined as occurring when a woman is unable to get pregnant despite having unprotected sex for a year or longer. Because barriers fertility can exist in both men and women, it is often said that the couple, rather than the woman, is experiencing infertility.
Infertility Causes and Treatments
Every woman is born with a set number of eggs, which declines as she ages. To get pregnant, an egg released from a woman’s ovaries must be fertilized by sperm, travel down the fallopian tube, and attach to the side of her uterus. At any stage along the way, a problem may occur, resulting in a case of infertility.
Couples experiencing infertility have a range of treatment options. However, infertility treatment can come with many obstacles, including high costs, time burden, physical pain, shame and embarrassment , and social stigma . Talking to a trusted family member, friend, or therapist can often help men and women process the mix of complex emotions.
For women, the most common causes of infertility are primary ovarian insufficiency (early menopause ), ovulation disorders affecting egg release, uterine or cervical abnormalities, endometriosis (where tissue grows outside of the uterus), fallopian tube blockage or damage, polycystic ovary syndrome, and various hormonal imbalances. Certain cancers and their treatments can also negatively impact a woman’s fertility.
Male infertility may be caused by trouble with sperm delivery due to structural difficulties like testicle blockage or damage to the reproductive organs, sexual function concerns such as premature ejaculation, or genetic conditions including cystic fibrosis. Another root of male infertility may be abnormal sperm function or production, often due to genetic defects or health problems including diabetes or certain sexually transmitted diseases. Other risk factors include overexposure to certain environmental factors, such as alcohol , cigarette or marijuana smoke, chemicals, and pesticides, as well as frequent exposure to high temperatures (hot tubs and saunas). Specific cancers and their treatments can also be harmful to male fertility.
Infertility and Mental Health
Infertility can have a profound impact on one’s mental health. When men and women find out that they can’t conceive, they may experience the same painful emotions as anyone coping with grief or profound loss. Common reactions include shock, frustration, grief, anger , decreased self-esteem , anxiety , and depression , but feelings about infertility can vary greatly depending on the source of the problems. Men, in particular, find it far easier to deal with a partner’s infertility than with their own.
Along with being physically demanding, fertility treatments can also spark a roller-coaster of emotions each month, including hope, anger, disappointment, sadness, and guilt . Just the sight of a pregnant woman can evoke strong negative and stressful feelings. During this time, those struggling with infertility may pull away from friends and family who remind them of their difficulty with reproduction; some of their closest relationships may suffer.
Couples might also find that their sex life suffers from the high expectations and routines of fertility treatment, as they may experience dips in self-esteem, desire, and performance. Sex, which was once a source of joy and emotional connection, can become a source of frustration and failure. Sharing complicated feelings and separating lovemaking from babymaking can help couples stay sexually connected during infertility treatment .
It’s normal to feel jealousy and other negative emotions when other couples seem to have no trouble conceiving. Managing pregnancy jealousy can be tricky . Instead of giving in to guilt, acknowledge your difficult emotions. Focus on what you can control—feel free to pass on other people’s baby showers, keep active in hobbies, join a support group, or talk to a therapist.
Explore More About Infertility
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