I had no idea how little I knew about infertility until I was facing it head-on. In case you are still learning about infertility, have questions, or trying to support someone else who is struggling with infertility here are some facts:
- Infertility impacts 1 in 8 families in the U.S. Infertility impacts family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors.
- Infertility is a medical diagnosis. It is a very real disease and there may be multiple factors of a family’s inability to conceive.
- 7.4 million women, or 11.9% of women, have ever received any infertility services in their lifetime. (2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth, CDC)
- Approximately one-third of infertility is attributed to the female partner, one-third attributed to the male partner and one-third is caused by a combination of problems in both partners or, is unexplained. (www.asrm.org <http://www.asrm.org/>
- Approximately 85-90% of infertility cases are treated with drug therapy or surgical procedures. Fewer than 3% need advanced reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF). (www.asrm.org <http://www.asrm.org/>)
- Most people struggling with infertility receive no coverage from their health insurance. This inhibits many people being able to move forward to treatment to resolve their infertility. The lack of insurance coverage and huge out-of-pocket costs create large barriers to grow a family.
I wish I would have known these very real facts before I knew infertility would affect me so that I could have better supported those around me. Infertility is a medical disease and often a very lonely one. Let’s all love and support each other. We need to #FlipTheScript of infertility and start some conversations.
If you have more questions I would LOVE to have a Q&A about infertility or if you have any questions for me specifically. Ask your questions below!