Understanding Infertility
Medically, infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse (or 6 months for women 35+ years old) or the inability to carry a pregnancy to term.
There are two main types of infertility diagnosis – primary and secondary infertility. Primary infertility occurs after one year of unsuccessful attempts to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. Secondary infertility has the same criteria as primary infertility except an individual or couple has carried one or more children to term in the past (i.e., you’ve had other children and are struggling to get pregnant now). Primary and secondary infertility affects one in five and one in 20 women, respectively, although the rate of secondary infertility increases with age.
What Are the Causes of Infertility?
Infertility affects millions of people worldwide and can stem from various factors, including hormonal imbalances, reproductive health issues, age, lifestyle, and even stress. It's a complex medical condition that affects both men and women equally, despite popular opinion, with about 20% of cases linked to male factors, 33% to female factors, 39% to a combination of male and female factors, and the rest to unexplained causes, according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
For women, causes of infertility may include:
Ovulation Disorders: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) can disrupt normal ovulation.
Uterine or Cervical Abnormalities: Fibroids, polyps, and structural issues in the reproductive organs can impact fertility.
Fallopian Tube Blockages: Tubal issues, often resulting from pelvic inflammatory disease or past infections, can prevent eggs and sperm from meeting.
Age: Fertility naturally declines with age.
Male infertility may result from:
Sperm Production Issues: Low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm shape can hinder conception.
Hormonal Imbalances: Issues with testosterone levels or other hormones can impact fertility.
Lifestyle Factors: Substance use, excessive stress, and poor diet can contribute to fertility issues.
In some cases, no clear cause of infertility is found, known as “unexplained infertility,”. This can cause psychological distress for an individual, couple, or family as there may not be a procedure/medication or “answer” to “fix the issue”. Because of the complexity and invasive nature of diagnostic testing, infertility can and should only be diagnosed by a medical physician.
The Emotional Impact of Infertility
Whether the reason for infertility is known or unknown, it can be profoundly emotionally challenging, often causing feelings of grief, frustration, and isolation. Understanding infertility involves recognizing it not only as a medical journey but also as an emotional one.
Feelings of shame or self-blame are common. Some individuals find themselves questioning their worth or feeling as though they’re letting down their partner, family, or community. The isolation can feel overwhelming, especially as friends and family members might not fully understand the experience or unintentionally minimize the pain.
Relationships can also become strained, as couples struggle to cope with the stress and uncertainty of the journey. The high cost of treatments, multiple cycles of hope and disappointment, invasiveness of procedures for women, and the strain on intimacy can impact relationships. The grief one can feel isn’t limited to the potential loss of parenthood but also the societal expectations and dreams tied to having a family.
Start Working With an Infertility Therapist in New York, NY
Understanding infertility means recognizing it as a medical condition that requires compassion, both from those going through it and from the broader community. While infertility may alter your journey to parenthood, it doesn’t define your worth, love, or resilience. With support, self-care, and patience, you can navigate this complex experience and find a path forward. You can start your therapy journey with The Lavender Therapy by following these simple steps:
Learn more about infertility in my blogs here.
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Other Services I Offer Anywhere in New York
Along with infertility and pregnancy loss support, I provide a variety of specialized services to support you through different stages of life. Whether you're seeking help with postpartum and pregnancy challenges, women’s therapy, or family planning, I’m here to offer guidance and care every step of the way.
About The Author:
Dr. Ruby Rhoden is a New York-based licensed psychologist who is dedicated to uplifting women through life changes and challenges, including reproduction and parent burnout. She understands how unhelpful behavior patterns and mental health disorders uniquely impact women and uses evidence-based techniques to usher in sustainable change and relief. Dr. Ruby is dedicated to helping women develop healthier habits and relationships with themselves and their bodies so they can connect to others and the world around them again. Dr. Ruby studied at Cornell University and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey for her Bachelor’s and Doctoral degrees, respectively. In her free time, she enjoys watching reality TV, supporting small businesses, and writing blog posts to remind all women that they are not alone.
