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Infertility Is More Common Than You Think: Why Awareness Matters

Infertility affects around one in six people worldwide, making it far more common than many people realize. Despite its prevalence, it still carries a stigma, leaving many individuals feeling isolated, ashamed, or hesitant to share their experiences.

For those going through it, infertility can be physically and emotionally demanding. The process often involves multiple tests and evaluations just to reach a diagnosis, along with the time and space needed to process what it all means and consider next steps.

That’s part of why National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), established in 1989 and observed each April, matters. It creates space for open conversations, greater understanding, and support for those navigating infertility.

Causes of Infertility in Men and Women

Infertility can affect both men and women, caused by a range of different conditions and issues. 

In women, abnormalities or problems with the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or endocrine system can lead to infertility. Some of the most common causes of female-factor infertility include:

• Ovulation disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or primary ovarian insufficiency

• Damaged or blocked fallopian tubes, which prevent sperm from reaching the egg

• Endometriosis, a condition in which tissue that usually grows in the uterus grows elsewhere in the body

• Uterine or cervical conditions such as fibroids that block the fallopian tubes, an unusually shaped uterus, or cervical stenosis (narrowing of the cervix)

Men usually experience infertility due to problems with sperm, but there can be many other causes. Some of the most common causes of male-factor infertility include:

• Issues with the sperm, including low count, poor motility (movement), and abnormal shapes

• Hormonal imbalances, including low testosterone

• Varicocele, the enlargement of the veins in the scrotum

• Genetic disorders, including Klinefelter syndrome

Lifestyle factors — including obesity, excessive alcohol use, smoking, and heat exposure, such as frequent use of hot tubs or saunas — can also cause infertility, and fertility decreases with age in both men and women. In some cases, there is no known cause, also known as unexplained infertility.

Regardless of the diagnosis or cause, dealing with infertility can be extremely challenging, creating feelings of shame, confusion, loss, and isolation. However, as more people speak openly about their experiences with infertility and more resources become available, the stigma around it is dissipating.

Today, there are more options than ever for hopeful parents who are unable to conceive without assistance, from in vitro fertilization (IVF) to gestational surrogacy. With a solid support network and an expert medical team by their side, couples and individuals with infertility can get the individualized support they need. 

Learn More About Infertility and Get the Support You Need

With millions of people navigating infertility every year, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. There are more resources available than ever before to guide you on this complex journey. From mental health professionals specializing in fertility issues to clinics providing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as IVF, there are many avenues for support.

This year’s National Infertility Awareness Week serves as a powerful reminder of the need to raise awareness, provide tangible support, and open the conversation around infertility. By increasing knowledge and reducing the stigma, people can be empowered to get the individualized care they need. 

To learn more about infertility or set up a consultation with the fertility specialists at Pacific Fertility Center, get in touch with our caring and compassionate team today.

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