1 in 6 individuals experience difficulty in conception (WHO, 2024). The purpose of World Fertility Day is to bring awareness to the impact that infertility has on family building across the globe and honor the day of the first IVF baby in 1978.
As Texas fertility therapists, we pause to recognize this day in a few ways:
First, we celebrate the birth of the first IVF baby born, we also feel called to think of the babies who are being longed for by hopeful parents across the world.
As we honor this day we also feel called to draw attention to the dimensionality of how a world-recognized day can also spur a feeling of loneliness. Just as there are a large number of individuals impacted by fertility challenges, there is also an overarching feeling for individuals struggling with infertility who struggle with feelings of loneliness, and isolation, as well as the feeling of of immense personal responsibility. In a crowded room, it’s also possible to feel very alone.
Infertility can affect both women and men, yet women in heterosexual relationships are often perceived as solely responsible, regardless of the actual cause. This misperception can lead to profound social and emotional consequences, especially for women. Many people, regardless of gender, experience social stigma, emotional distress, difficulty in relationships, depression, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, diminished pleasure and orgasm as well as diminished self-esteem. The mental health impact of infertility is significant, and therapy can play a crucial role in helping individuals and couples navigate these challenges, offering support, coping strategies, and a safe space to process complex emotions associated with infertility.
If you are hopeful to become a parent and struggling with infertility we join you as the day honors hope and also holds immense grief as you long for your child. If you are struggling with the mental health impact of infertility we want to remind you that you aren’t alone and that in the crowded room of 1 in 6, there is always a space for you on The Couch.
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