Let’s talk infertility

Only those women who experience infertility, know the emotional trauma they undergo. For their family members and society at large, discussing infertility is a taboo, even as they come up with most bizarre theories about why a woman is unable to conceive.

To make the conversation less taboo, celebs from across the world are regularly speaking out about their experiences with infertility. Actress Jennifer Aniston gave voice to many who have endured difficult infertility journeys that ended without biological children when she opened up about her battle with IVF procedures while attempting to have a family.

The story of Aniston gave visibility to many who are childless by choice; many of them claim to struggle silently and deeply behind closed doors.

Their IVF journeys

Recently, entrepreneur, business executive, and prominent investor in Shark Tank India, Namita Thapar breaks silence on fertility struggles; says, “If you choose to be a mom, get educated about your fertility.” In her post, she bravely opened up about the physical and emotional toll of infertility, breaking the silence that often surrounds such deeply personal experiences. Namita said, “Vo jo physical, emotional trauma hota hai, those taboos of crossing your leg. Matlab sab stupid cheezein aap karte hai. (The physical and emotional trauma you experience, those taboos like crossing your legs. I mean, you end up doing all sorts of stupid things).”
Infertility has several causes, including age, endometriosis, and tubal occlusion.

Neharika Nath, lifestyle digital creator, mom, and influencer, says the challenge she faced on her IVF journey was an emotional rollercoaster. “There is stress and anxiety owing to the nature of the treatment’s success or failure. It’s an emotional rollercoaster because of the number of hormonal injections and medications, which cause massive mood swings and emotional instability,” she says.

Your relationship can suffer. “I was lucky enough not to go through this. I have a very supportive husband and family, but people do go through relationship strains. Financial distress because of the high cost of the treatment and the lack of insurance coverage. Time constraints owing to the number of appointments, procedures, and recovery. Side effects include bloating, headaches, hot flashes, and mood swings because of the medication,” says Neharika adding, “Women have always being the subject of flaws when couples do not conceive. Hopefully, someday, there will be a societal shift towards empathy and openness on this taboo topic.”

Still a social stigma

Societal norms that keep fertility concerns secret and stigmatised highlight the significance of open communication and support. Why should it be shameful to discuss this? “There is a need for more fertility awareness and education, as infertility is becoming a major concern for many women,” says Dr Sheetal Jindal, Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, Director of Jindal IVF.

With 27.5 million infertile people in India alone, there is an urgent need for open conversation.

“Despite its widespread occurrence, infertility is stigmatised and shamed, particularly among women, who bear the weight of deeply ingrained patriarchal standards.

These views unfairly place all of the duty for reproduction on women, ignoring the complexities of infertility,” says Dr Jindal.

She feels this patriarchal worldview further reinforces the harmful belief that a woman’s worth is determined by her ability to procreate, resulting in unjustified pressure and blame directed at women facing fertility issues.

Thorough education on fertility equips individuals to make informed choices regarding their reproductive health, enabling them to proactively preserve their fertility if they so wish, she says.

“Moreover, discussions around fertility should not only focus on conception but also encompass broader aspects such as family planning as well as available options for assisted reproduction,” points out Dr Jindal.

Breaking the silence around fertility issues is critical not only for de-stigmatizing infertility, but also for encouraging inclusivity and support for all people facing reproductive obstacles.

“It is critical that we move cultural narratives away from guilt and towards empathy, compassion, and proactive assistance for those facing fertility challenges,” she adds.

THE CAUSE

When asked about the causes, Dr Manjula Anagani, Chief Gynaecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon at Care Hospitals, explains that women experiencing infertility report higher levels of anxiety and despair, indicating that the stress causes infertility. “Dietary issues such as junk food and dioxins from food pollution produce endocrine disrupting chemicals, increasing the likelihood of illnesses like PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, and hormone imbalances, all of which contribute to infertility. Obesity and lack of exercise produce hormonal imbalances, which result in infertility and anovulation. Delays in marriages. The biological clock is ticking, sperm levels are falling, ovarian failures occur early, and ovarian reserves are depleted.”