June is world infertility awareness month; it is an important time to raise awareness about the challenges faced by those struggling to conceive. Infertility affects millions of people worldwide, and yet it remains a conversation that is clouded by shame and secrecy.
The importance of this month is to:
Raises infertility awareness
Many people around the world are unaware of infertility issues. Considering that an estimated 1 in 6 couples experience difficulty conceiving, it seems strange that awareness is not more widespread.
infertility is defined as the result of a disease or disorder of the male or female reproductive tract which prevents the conception of a child or the ability to carry a pregnancy to delivery. For a diagnosis to be made, you would have regular, unprotected sexual intercourse and to be unable to get pregnant after one year if the age of woman under 35 years and 6 months if she is older.
While blanket assumptions too often blame women for struggling to get pregnant, the reality is that complications can arise from either or both sides, or an indeterminate cause. the 40% of infertility is caused by female factors, 40% male, and in the remaining 20% either both partners could contribute or a cause cannot be identified.
Decreases stigma around infertility
Infertility can be an emotionally difficult experience – but one that is often made worse by society’s judgemental attitude towards it. this month helps to dispel any negative stigmas surrounding fertility issues, breaking down barriers that prevent couples from seeking help or getting the support they need.
Introduces solutions to couples experiencing infertility
Raising awareness about infertility is not only about understanding what infertility is, how widespread it is, and what causes it, awareness includes knowledge of the various treatments and techniques that are available.
One of the goals of this month is to provide an opportunity to educate people about the different causes of infertility and the various treatment options available. This includes fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Encourages communication to break down and creates a community of support
World Infertility awareness month reveals that infertility is more common than people think. It can provide a platform for people to share their stories, advocate for themselves and raise awareness about the impact infertility can have.
During infertility month, people struggling to conceive can connect with others who are going through the same challenges. This can help provide a sense of community and support that can be crucial in maintaining hope during what can be a challenging time.
Helps couples experiencing infertility to cope with their condition
This can be achieved through helping them to access information in order to understand their problems, and know the causes of not being able to have children. Understanding how their problems might be resolved, knowing where to go to seek help and explaining how their lifestyle can positively impact fertility, such as: Maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and managing stress.
The purpose of this month is improving the lives of millions of people who fail to conceive due to lack of scientific knowledge. No matter the cause of conception problems, time is always precious when treating infertility. An early visit to a fertility specialist will not only provide you with the best chances of successful treatment. With the right diagnosis, you will often find that you have been struggling for years with a problem that is easier to solve than you imagined.