Infertility might still be a bit of a taboo subject, but we know it’s not rare. According to the CDC,12% of women between 15 and 44 years of age have difficulty carrying a pregnancy to full-term. That’s almost one out of every 8 women.
Getting pregnant or staying pregnant isn’t always easy for some people. So many women and couples want nothing more than to have a beautiful child and raise a healthy family. We think there are many things more people should know about infertility and its impact on those struggling with it. Whoever you are, you’re not alone!!
- Infertility is experienced more often than you might think. Those experiencing it shouldn’t be afraid or ashamed to talk about it. If, by chance, you knew someone was pregnant, and suddenly they’re not, please don’t ask questions. The best thing to do is give them their space; they’ll open up if they feel compelled to do so.
- It’s not always conceiving a baby that’s the problem. Sometimes the problem is staying pregnant and having a successful delivery. This experience is just as painful, if not more painful, than not being able to conceive.
- It’s gut-wrenching and heartbreaking! Seeing negative results with every test can make a person feel ashamed of themselves, feeling insecure. It’s difficult to talk about, which makes it even more complicated because there’s so much a person holds in.
- Age has nothing to do with it. Although age can be a factor, infertility can exist at any age.
- Externally, people might seem fine, but on the inside, it’s tearing them up. Men and women alike can sometimes feel like they’re lesser than another or that they’re a failure. With every negative test comes another severe blow. The entire experience is an emotional roller-coaster ride.
- A person who’s suffered from infertility needs all the support they can get when they’re finally lucky enough to conceive a child. When they know they’re pregnant, worry, stress, and anxiety are around every corner. There’s always a fear that something could go wrong.
- Infertility might seem to only impact the woman involved, but it can be just as difficult for the man!
- If someone already has a child, that doesn’t mean that they can’t experience infertility.
- Others sharing pregnancy announcements can be hard to hear from those dealing with infertility. It’s not that they’re not happy; it’s that they’re disappointed with or for themselves. They will still be happy for you, just a little sad for themselves.
- Stop asking couples when they’re finally going to put a bun in the oven. They might be struggling with infertility or another issue.
We mean well; we just don’t always understand a situation; we sometimes respond incorrectly. If you or someone you know might be struggling with infertility, please know support is available if you need it. There are many groups online where others will welcome you and let you know that you’re not alone.
