Merck raises awareness about world infertility month
One in every four couples in developing countries is affected by infertility, while one in six couples worldwide experience some form of infertility problem at least once during their reproductive lifetime.
June is World Infertility Awareness Month and the pharmaceutical group Merck would like to create greater awareness by providing information and options about infertility.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recognised infertility as a public health issue worldwide with many couples needing to seek medical treatment to help resolve underlying fertility problems. “Infertility is when you cannot get or stay pregnant after trying for at least a year and you are under the age of 35,” said Dr Sulaiman Heylen, president of the Southern African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy.
According to Dr Heylen, one in every four couples in developing countries is affected by infertility, while one in six couples worldwide experience some form of infertility problem at least once during their reproductive lifetime. The current prevalence of infertility lasting for at least 12 months is estimated to affect between eight to 12 per cent worldwide for women aged 20 to 44.
In recent years, the number of couples seeking treatment for infertility has dramatically increased due to factors such as postponement of childbearing in women, the development of newer and more successful techniques for infertility treatment, and increasing awareness of available services. This increasing participation infertility treatment has also raised awareness and inspired investigation into the psychological ramifications of infertility. It can cause stress, depression, and anxiety, which is why it is important to know that there are options available for treatment.
Infertility often creates one of the most distressing life crises that a couple has ever experienced together. The long-term inability to conceive a child can evoke significant feelings of loss. Coping with the multitude of medical decisions and the uncertainties that infertility brings can create great emotional upheaval for most couples.”If you find yourself feeling anxious, depressed, out of control, or isolated, you are not alone,” said Dr Heylen.
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