Women’s Month Focus: Challenging Infertility Myths That Disadvantage Women
This Women’s Month, our team at Medfem Fertility Clinic is proud to focus on infertility and how it impacts women in particular, to raise awareness and dispel infertility myths and misconceptions with truth. We add our voice to those of other organisations and leaders dedicated to sharing accurate information about infertility and the treatments available.
Every year in August, South Africa observes Women’s Month to honour the more than 20,000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women – a historic event that changed the future.
Decades later, Women’s Day is still a time to celebrate women’s achievements and to reflect on the challenges they face, including the significant personal and social effects of infertility and the myths that surround it.
Infertility Issues That Impact Women The Most
Several common myths continue to affect women experiencing infertility:
- Is infertility is a “women’s problem”? [More]
- The false stigma of infertility [More]
- The misconception that you are alone [More]
- The lack of awareness that infertility is a medical condition that can be treated [More]
Raising awareness is essential to dismantling these damaging misconceptions!
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The Myth That Infertility Is A “Women’s Problem”
In many societies, infertility is still assumed to be the woman’s “fault” because pregnancy and childbirth happen in their bodies.
Women are often blamed for a couple’s infertility, even though the scientifically validated truth is that infertility affects men and women equally.
Statistics show that in one-third of infertility cases, the cause lies with the female partner; in another one-third, with the male partner; and in the remaining third, the cause lies with both partners or is due to unknown causes.
Fortunately, the message that fertility is a shared responsibility for couples is gaining awareness and men are being encouraged to get informed, get tested, and support their partners on a shared fertility journey.
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The False Stigma Of Infertility
In some cultures, infertility still carries a heavy stigma. Although male factors are involved in about half of all infertility cases, women tend to bear the greater social burden.
For women, this can lead to isolation, discrimination, and even violence. In certain communities, childlessness can result in being excluded, disinherited, divorced, or subjected to physical or emotional abuse.
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The Misconception That You Are Alone
Because infertility is rarely spoken about openly in public, many women who are facing fertility challenges feel isolated.
The truth is that infertility is one of the most common conditions among people of reproductive age. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine estimates that one in six couples worldwide faces infertility.
In developing countries, the World Health Organisation reports that over 180 million couples – roughly one in four – experience primary or secondary infertility!
Please know that you are not alone, and there are not only many other couples facing this challenge, but also many accredited fertility clinics, as well as support groups and resources available to provide understanding and support to couples struggling with infertility.
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The Lack Of Awareness That Infertility Is Treatable
Infertility is a medical condition with many possible causes in both men and women.
In sub-Saharan Africa, infections cause infertility in up to 85% of women seeking treatment, compared to 33% worldwide. Preventable causes such as untreated STDs, unsafe abortions, poor nutrition, and environmental pollutants are also more common in the region.
Fortunately, advanced treatments for nearly every cause of infertility have been available – and used successfully – for decades.
Raising Awareness To Make A Difference
At Medfem Fertility Clinic, we work alongside organisations such as IFAASA (Infertility Awareness Association of South Africa) and SASREG (the Southern African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy) to share accurate information and provide support to couples facing infertility.
IFAASA notes that many people, including some healthcare providers, are unaware of the complex journey infertile couples face to build their families. Their goal is to increase understanding and empathy around infertility.
This Women’s Month, we stand with all women experiencing infertility – promoting awareness, compassion, and the knowledge that infertility is not just a woman’s issue and that safe, effective treatments are available to help couples achieve their dream of parenthood.
At Medfem Fertility Clinic we believe in helping you reach your family dream through:
- World-Class Fertility for Everyone – we believe in making world-class fertility treatments available for everyone
- A Positive Fertility Journey – It is our joy and commitment to give you a positive outcome to your fertility journey
- Delivered With Empathy & Caring – So you may have a fond memory, of a feeling of empathy, caring and being part of the Medfem family
If you would like to meet one of our fertility specialists at Medfem Fertility Clinic, simply click here to book an initial consultation or contact us telephonically on +27 (11) 463 2244.
Our Fertility Specialists can also meet with you during a virtual consultation via Zoom or Skype. Click here to book a virtual consultation now.
We look forward to meeting you at Medfem Fertility Clinic!
