Infertility: What is it and How is it Experienced by Those Affected?
Between 10 and 15% of all heterosexual couples experience difficulty getting pregnant. If you fall into this category, you are not alone. Understand the true definition of infertility and learn how it is experienced by others affected.
What is infertility?
If a 12-month period of sexual intercourse of normal frequency ends without pregnancy, a couple is said to be experiencing infertility.
In approximately one-third of all the cases, the problem is due to male infertility issues, and in another third of all the cases, the problem is due to female infertility. The last third is due to factors affecting both partners or reasons unknown.
Changes over the years with infertility
Generations ago, infertility was more accepted as a fact of life, or the problem was resolved through adoption or some other means. In the past 50 to 60 years, the availability of new techniques and a change in attitudes have resulted in a greatly increased need to treat infertility.
In the past 10 to 20 years, it has also become more common in most Western countries to offer treatment to both single women and female couples. The number of single women as a group, in particular, has risen sharply and today accounts for over one-third of those receiving fertility treatments.
How others experience infertility
The psychological pregnancy begins long before the physical one. For parents with children, infertility can be hard to imagine, but for those affected or those who have been affected, the meaning is both clear and immediate.
For both couples dealing with infertility and couples who achieve a pregnancy relatively quickly, the so-called psychological pregnancy starts with the desire to have a child. However, this is where the similarity ends. Whereas the pregnant couple gives birth to the child of their dreams within the foreseeable future, the couple experiencing infertility issues may have to wait two to three years or even as long as seven years, with many couples waiting even longer.
For the vast majority, infertility is a challenging life situation.
Infertility can place a heavy burden on a relationship
Men and women often experience infertility differently, which often results in recriminations, disappointments, and in worst cases, a crisis in the relationship which can end in divorce. It is often couples who see themselves as being in a strong relationship that seeks infertility treatment, as it requires great commitment to face the problem and attempt to do something about it.
Similarly, many couples have stated that the period of infertility and any courses of treatment have strengthened their relationship, which is a source of optimism amid all the gloom. There are many different ways of dealing with infertility, if you want advice on how to cope with male infertility, then follow the link.
The desire to have a child in relation to treatment options and possibilities in general
The desire to have a child must always be offset against the actual possibility of achieving pregnancy. Many couples begin a course of fertility treatments after attempting artificial insemination or deciding this method is not right for them.
However, couples that are experiencing infertility often gradually change their position on which type of treatment they want to use, or even whether or not they should continue with treatments at all. For example, couples who began by rejecting adoption may finally accept this option and are very happy with this solution if others have not been successful.
Open up about infertility
Discussing the struggles of dealing with infertility can be tough. However, choosing not to open up about the problem could mean not getting help and support which can be crucial. Having said this, selecting who to open up to may have its advantages. Some people who have not experienced the problem themselves may not fully understand what infertile couples or individuals go through. Therefore, it can be a good idea to open up to some of your closest friends or family who you know can support you on your journey.
For some people, it feels good to open up to people that they do not know, for instance in a Facebook group or another online forum. Ultimately, you should choose what you think is best for you.
Acceptance of infertility
Infertility can be very hard to bear. The absence of a child can be a heavy burden to carry. However, it is essential not to see it as one of life’s shortcomings. Similar to the lives of couples who easily become pregnant, life does not solely revolve around a child. It is essential not to make the absence of a child the focus of one’s life.
People struggling with fertility issues are advised to try and view life in its wider context, and not let them take over their whole identity. Whether your infertility is permanent or lasts for a shorter period of time, it is merely one aspect of your life.
Contact Cryos
If you are experiencing issues with fertility and would like to use Cryos as your path to having a baby, please get in touch with one of our helpful Customer Care Coordinators who can guide you through the process.
Call us at (407) 203-1175, email us at [email protected] or chat with us live on our online chat system located on our website. Cryos is glad to help and be a possible resource for you to have the family of your dreams.