The Silent Struggles: Why Talking About Fertility Matters

By Parham Zar Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute (EDSI)

For millions of individuals and couples, fertility is a deeply personal and often silent journey. From whispered conversations to unasked questions, fertility struggles remain cloaked in stigma and shame across many cultures. Yet, these unspoken struggles don’t exist in isolation—they ripple through relationships, mental health, and self-worth. The time has come to break this silence. Fertility health is health. By normalizing these conversations, we empower individuals to seek help, share experiences, and realize they are not alone.

Why Is Fertility Still a Taboo Subject?

Fertility touches on topics often seen as deeply private—intimacy, gender roles, and the expectations of family and society. This silence can stem from:

• Cultural Expectations: In many cultures, parenthood is an essential part of adulthood. Fertility challenges are sometimes viewed as a reflection of personal failure, particularly for women.
• Gender Stereotypes: Men often avoid fertility conversations due to societal pressures to project virility, while women may face blame or judgment.
• Fear of Judgment: People experiencing infertility may hear unsolicited advice like, “Just relax,” or hurtful comments questioning their choices.
• Lack of Awareness: Fertility struggles are complex, yet misconceptions abound. Many are unaware that infertility affects 1 in 8 couples worldwide, often equally involving male and female factors.

This combination of cultural silence, shame, and misinformation leaves many feeling isolated when they most need support.

Breaking the Silence: Stories of Empowerment

Thankfully, individuals across the globe are stepping forward to share their stories, transforming pain into purpose.

• The Story of Hope: Maria, a teacher who battled infertility for five years, discovered strength through sharing. Opening up to her colleagues revealed others with similar struggles. Their collective experiences not only deepened connections but also inspired them to seek treatment together.
• Celebrity Voices: Public figures such as Chrissy Teigen and Gabrielle Union have candidly shared their fertility journeys, including IVF and surrogacy. Their openness has helped break down stigma and created a supportive environment for others to feel less alone.
• The Power of Advocacy: Individuals who have faced fertility challenges are now leading awareness campaigns and forming support groups. These efforts provide education, encouragement, and community for those navigating similar paths.

These examples illustrate how vulnerability and honesty can spark meaningful change, encouraging others to find strength in solidarity.

The Role of Healthcare Providers, Workplaces, and Communities

To foster openness around fertility, efforts must extend across healthcare, workplaces, and communities.

• Healthcare Providers: Physicians and specialists are central to guiding patients through fertility journeys. Compassionate, clear, and culturally sensitive communication is key to making patients feel understood and supported.
• Workplaces: Flexible leave policies, fertility benefits, and mental health resources help employees navigate fertility treatments without added stress. Companies that prioritize these aspects foster loyalty and trust.
• Communities: Local groups and online forums serve as essential support networks. Surrogacy agencies, fertility clinics, and organizations like Resolve offer safe, nonjudgmental spaces for sharing experiences and learning from others.

Why Normalizing Fertility Conversations Is Crucial

When fertility becomes part of everyday health discussions, the impact is transformative:

1. Earlier Intervention: Open dialogue prompts individuals to seek help sooner, improving outcomes.
2. Education and Awareness: Clear information dispels myths, empowering informed decisions about egg freezing, preservation, or medical care.
3. Reduced Stigma: Normalizing fertility struggles removes the shame and secrecy surrounding them.
4. Community and Connection: Sharing stories builds empathy and fosters a sense of belonging for those on similar journeys.

Fertility encompasses more than having children; it represents the empowerment to take control of one’s health and future.

A Call to Action: Let’s Start the Conversation

The journey to breaking the silence starts with simple acts of empathy. Whether by checking in with a friend navigating IVF, advocating for better workplace policies, or sharing your personal story, each step contributes to broader change.

Together, we can transform the narrative around fertility. It’s not a personal failure or a taboo—it’s a universal human experience deserving of compassion, understanding, and open dialogue.

Let’s make a difference. Share your voice and your story today. Your journey matters, and so does the conversation it inspires.