Effects of Infertility

Infertility is associated with severe health effects for affected individuals. According to research, women who experience infertility at any point in their lives are likely to develop cardiovascular issues later. Growing evidence shows that increased cardiovascular diseases are associated with female infertility that arises from conditions such as obesity, ovarian disease, endometriosis, and thyroid dysfunction (Gleason et al., 2019). Further studies reveal that infertile women have atherogenic lipid profiles and high hs-CRP levels, which increases vulnerability to cardiovascular issues. Based on these findings, infertility goes beyond the daily challenges and has long-term effects.

Other studies also show that the consequences of infertility go beyond the pursuit of family building. Infertile women are at risk of cancer and maternal morbidity and have increased vulnerability to other chronic diseases. A recent study shows that infertile patients are more likely to develop diabetes, renal disease, liver disease, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and others (Murugappan et al., 2021). Other studies indicate that infertility is not a disease; instead, it is a symptom of an underlying disease that may be detected later in the life of an infertile man or woman.

Infertile women experience distressing life experiences. According to Alamin et al. (2020), identity crisis is a significant contributor to distress in the lives of infertile men and women. Women and men who feel that society can only accept them if they have children undergo emotional and psychological torture. The challenges get worse when men and women cannot get treated successfully, s they suffer loss and grief. A significant number of women and men have gotten into depression after they find it challenging to live with the fact that they cannot have children.

Infertile men and women experience psychological and social stigma. Infertile women have reportedly experienced higher levels of emotional abuse and stress in the US compared to other developed countries(Ozturk et al., 2021). Infertile women are also less likely to report emotional and physical violence, which increases their vulnerability to stigma. In some cases, infertile men and women are abandoned by their partners, who fail to endure the stigma and abuse from society and close family/friends.

Reports also indicate that infertility is a silent struggle, as infertile men and women often find it hard to share their distress with second or third parties. Despite the high prevalence of infertility, infertile women do not share their stories with family and friends, which increases their psychological vulnerability. The inability to give birth cause feelings of shame, anxiety, and low self-esteem and contributes to poor life quality.