Male infertility: Social Taboo!

Whenever any woman is not able to conceive, the family usually assumes the problem lies with her. However about 40% of infertility may be due to male factor problems. Most men find it difficult to accept that they can have infertility. Infertility is treated as a woman’s problem in a majority of the cases. Infertility in men is like any other ailment which, in most of the cases, can be treated with proper guidance and medication. However, in our society where potency and virility are the mainstays of manhood, it is very difficult to convince males that they might be the cause of infertility. The truth is always difficult to handle for men as it is perceived as a blow to their masculinity.

There is a wide range of phrases that are used for men facing infertility problems and such derogatory terms add more to their pain. Men hence  feel more insulted and dejected in society and their family. They think that their ability to father a child is either severely compromised or almost impossible which is a complete fallacy. Male Infertility is completely curable in most cases with the right medical treatment.

A couple should understand that it is the responsibility of both the husband and the wife to complete the family and if they are not able to do that then they both should see a doctor. The right diagnosis of the problem is the most important aspect of infertility treatment.  Proper medication and cure can help them build their family and perhaps save their marriage.

Infertility Talk: Still a TABOO??

At a certain point in life desire to have a family is of top most priority for married couples. However, when their longing to have a child turns out to be a failure then that can be distressing emotional blow on the sentiments of these couples.

Talking about sexual or fertility problems in our society is considered as a taboo and when couples face these problems they want someone to talk about it. People feel ashamed or embarrassed while talking about their infertility problems but it should be the other way round because when someone will talk about their problem then only they can find a solution.

Without appropriate treatment and support of family and friends success in overcoming these problems is very difficult. Impact of infertility differs greatly for different individuals and it is always influenced by cultural background and the society they live in. People in small towns and villages are not even aware about infertility treatments available, they prefer worshiping their gods and if they don’t succeed they prefer going for second marriage.

In some places, women who fail to have a child are even more socially stigmatised. Motherhood is considered to be the defining factor in a women’s life. It is a milestone achieved when a woman becomes a mother and it confers her adult identity with self respect and dignity.

We still need to aware and educate people about the options available and help them to talk about their problems instead of hiding them and getting depressed.