It is estimated that nearly one out of every six couples is affected in some way by infertility. However, there are those couples out there that chose to not have children rather than seek medical aid try to resolve the issue. This means that the given estimate may be misleading and higher than studies show.
Infertility for some females has the same emotional impact and psychological stress as that caused by coping with severe illnesses such as cancer and HIV. The emotions that have been reported feeling are varied and often come in phases or sometimes all at once. They have felt loss for the children they have imagined one day having. Many have reported feelings of jealousy at others who seem to have no issues with conceiving children. Others have reported feelings of shame, thinking they are less feminine for not being able to conceive. A loss or lack of control has been reported by many effected by infertility. They feel there is nothing they can do to cure or solve the problem. Additionally, many have a sense of denial, believing there is nothing wrong and just have to keep trying.
Males who are coping with infertility have reported the signs of psychological stress as well. Males are traditionally brought up to be the problem solvers within a relationship. When they are faced with male infertility, they have reported feeling helpless at not being able to “fix” the problem. It has also been reported that men have also had to deal with questioning their masculinity; feeling less manly for not being able to get his significant other pregnant.
Infertility also tends to have a negative impact on relationships. A study showed that couples dealing with infertility had a higher chance of experiencing feelings of unhappiness with not only themselves, but their marriages as well. This unhappiness resulted from sexual tension between the couples, especially during ovulation. Sex for them had transformed from a way to express their love for each other to a chore. Fear of abandonment was another factor that often leads to this unhappiness. This fear is chiefly experienced by the partner that is diagnosed with the infertility. They believe that their partner would leave them for someone who could help them have a child. Financial stress and arguments about treatments was reportedly experienced by many couples who were attempting medical treatments to conceive. Fertility treatments are expensive and add up very quickly. This would lead to arguments on when to stop treatments or what treatments they would try.
Those who are dealing with infertility are not alone and there are options available to help cope with and treat infertility. One of the key factors is to acknowledge your feelings with each other. Do not try to be Superman or Superwomen, rely on each other and confide in each other. Keeping your emotions pent up will only lead to a rough and rocky road for your relationship. Make sure you keep sex fun and not a chore. This is one of the areas mentioned above that has led to relationships having issues. If you feel you and/or your partner need outside help, seek professional help. There is a plethora of professionals available who are trained and have vast amounts of experience helping people cope with infertility. If you feel that dealing with infertility on your own is just too great of a challenge for you, do not be ashamed to seek their assistance.
About the Author
Jonny Webber lives in Manchester, where he works as a free lance writer; the main topics he writes about are health, eco living, and cosmetic surgery. Click Here for more information on mental health and infertility at Harley Street
