Infertility And Social Stigma - How Does It Affect Males And Females?

Problems associated with the reproductive systems of males and females can lead to a condition known as infertility. This happens when a couple is unable to conceive a baby despite trying regularly for over 12 months. Either partner can have infertility, which affects the psychological state of the person affecting their social behaviour. Infertility is quite common and affects one in every six individuals.

This Story also Contains

1. How Does Infertility Affect Males And Females?
2. Infertility Stigma
3. Addressing Infertility
4. Consequences Of Infertility Stigma
5. Challenges In Beating Or Addressing Infertility Stigma

Infertility is associated with the dysfunction of one or many reproductive organs in an individual. Primary and secondary infertility occurs when the former occurs when pregnancy has never been achieved and the latter occurs when pregnancy has been achieved at least once previously.

How Does Infertility Affect Males And Females?

The issues concerning reproduction among males and females are different. The factors may range from minor, treatable, and preventable issues to irreversible problems. Let’s quickly see some common causes of infertility in males and females.

Infertility Causes In Males

• Semen-related problems like low sperm count, dysfunctional ejection of semen, abnormal shape of sperm, or improper motility
• Blockages, injuries, or infections in the genital tract lead to obstruction in the seminal vesicles and ejaculatory ducts, thus hampering semen flow.
• Hormonal imbalances affect overall reproductive health, like poor sperm health. The testicles produce testosterone, which is the main hormone regulating health.
• Some medical treatments, like chemotherapy, can lead to testicular failure.

Infertility Causes In Females

• Any disorders in the ovaries leading to improper egg formation, follicular disorders, or polycystic ovarian disorder (PCOD)
• Reproductive hormone imbalances are also one cause of infertility in females.
• Infections or injuries can block or affect the fallopian tubes, and other tubal disorders can cause infertility.
• Conditions like fibroids, contamination due to unsafe absorption and intercourse, inflammation, or issues in pelvic and abdominal surgeries can be the cause of infertility.

Infertility Stigma

Infertile couples may experience psychological and other tensions due to societal and family pressure. Infertility is stigmatised, and so, often couples do not address it and follow secrecy. Stigmatising the infertility issue is a negative feeling that worsens the situation for couples as they are deprived of social, emotional, and psychological support. The comparisons can be so ugly that they can affect various dimensions of the couple, sometimes leading to divorce and separation.

The infertile stigma often has the women at the receiving end of negative talk. At such a time what is required is that they have a strong emotional support system which provides positive reinforcements. In rural areas, the stigma attached to infertility is worse, due to which women’s lives are treated as shameful and meaningless.

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Addressing Infertility

Having children and enjoying parenthood is a blessing, and every individual has the right to experience it. This is also important to attain a happy mental state and space in society, as infertility is looked down upon and can deprive a person of some essential rights. So, it is important to address infertility.

Social pressures prevent the couple from addressing their infertility issues, but addressing them can help in finding the actual cause and treating it before it is too late so that they can enjoy the bliss of parenthood. Infertility care management and awareness regarding the situation can also prevent victimisation of women by understanding the determinants of infertility.

Consequences Of Infertility Stigma

Since childbearing is a marker of a successful marriage and it is essential to maintaining one’s status, infertility affects the couple drastically; however, it is different for men and women.

For women, the allegations can be hurtful and throw them into depression, low self-esteem, poor societal image, and more. The pressure to become pregnant shortly after marriage can be overwhelming, which is why they maintain secrecy and do not highlight their medical condition.

For men, pregnancy is associated with masculinity. They are taunted with remarks about failed masculinity and strength. Tagging men as infertile and failing to impregnate their wives can ridicule the man and his family, because of which they can run away, divert the blame on their wives, or even end in separation.

Challenges In Beating Or Addressing Infertility Stigma

Infertility is a medical issue subject to public health and must be addressed. It is essential to raise awareness and educate people to treat infertility like any other medical problem. Like different organs and hormonal issues, inability to reproduce must not be stigmatised. However, some of the challenges in promoting fertility care are:

> The availability of fertility care is tough across the country and worldwide. Not all couples can access care equally, especially in poorly developed or mid-developed countries.

> Not all people are serious about fertility care, and hence they do not prioritise it. The treatment of reproductive issues is uncomfortable for most and is accompanied by shame, and therefore they do not participate in the diagnosis.

> Financial barriers are a major issue, the current cost of treatment is high. Lesser-trained personnel and the use of advanced equipment makes it a costly procedure; therefore, the many who cannot afford back out.

> Monitoring equal-quality services and effective implementation becomes difficult. Laws and policies might not be properly regulated, which hampers fertility care for all.

Infertility is often a major concern not just within a marriage or a family but at a societal level too. Fertility care management and awareness regarding the same are necessary so that individuals are not deprived of their decision to have children. Moreover, make them aware of medical interventions that help them overcome this hurdle.

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