What Causes Infertility In Women And How Can Family Support Help In Coping? Experts Weigh In

A new report by Global Data has claimed that cases of female Infertility are projected to decrease. It says that the cases will come down to 16,053,363 in 2033 to 16,732,165 in 2023. For those who don't know, female infertility is a condition which affects many women worldwide. It can occur due to various factors, both physiological and lifestyle-related. As per the World Health Organization, 3.9 per cent to 16.8 per cent of Indians are infertile and about to 10-15 per cent of couples experience infertility problems.

Importance of family support

Infertility can be a challenging and an emotional journey for couples longing to conceive. In this quest for parenthood, the role of family support is paramount. Dr Shruti N Mane, Consultant Fertility & IVF expert says that a family being informed and educated about infertility can help them provide better emotional support to the couple. "It can help family members understand the emotional state of the couple and help sympathize with their situation. Couples might feel sensitive about their infertility and want to keep things discreet. Family members should respect their decision and avoid sharing this news with friends or the neighborhood. Repeatedly asking questions related to pregnancy and infertility can trigger a couple’s mental health and lead to problems like stress, depression, and anxiety. Having an open conversation with the couple can help provide emotional support and make them feel less alone," she said.

Infertility can have a profound impact on both physical and mental health, often leading to stress, anxiety, and depression. Families and partners can offer crucial support by being empathetic, understanding, and patient. Providing emotional support can help alleviate some of the mental burden. Encouraging words and small acts of kindness can uplift and motivate those struggling with infertility. It’s also essential for family members to respect the couple’s privacy and avoid intrusive questions, as this can further affect their emotional well-being.

Causes of infertility

There are many factors that lead to frequent cases of infertility in women. Some of them are:

Infertility rates are further increased by exposure to harmful chemicals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in daily life, including phthalates and Bisphosphenol in cosmetics and plastics. Many medical problems can also contribute to infertility in women.