National Infertility Awareness Week

National Infertility Awareness Week is a movement to raise awareness about the disease of infertility which affects 7.3 million Americans. While I personally do not suffer from infertility, I have known many who do…which is why I feel so strongly about bringing awareness to this disease. I feel that although infertility doesn’t affect myself, it does affect people I know, therefore, I am affected by infertility. I may not be affected the same way as the person suffering from infertility, but nonetheless, I am affected.

For those who aren’t as familiar with infertility, Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system. One third (30%) of infertility can be attributed to male factors, and about one third (30%) can be attributed to female factors. In about 20% of cases infertility is unexplained, and the remaining 10% of infertility is caused by a combination of problems in both partners. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after 12 months of trying to conceive.

I think sometimes when people hear that someone is having “fertility issues,” they automatically assume it’s the female who is having the problem. However, as noted above, this is not always the case. Personally, I feel that regardless who has the fertility problem, the man or the woman, it is their problem, not his or hers.

On a personal note, I think infertility sucks. It seems to happen to the sweetest people…you know, the ones who really deserve a baby. The ones who would make awesome parents. It really bothers me when some irresponsible teenager gets knocked up and then has to face what they consider consequences. In all reality, infertility is just unfair.

So, this week, stop for a second, and think of infertility. Whether it has personally affected you or not, I’m sure you know someone who struggles with infertility. To educate yourself more on this disease, visit http://resolve.org .