Because of the wide range of psychological and social implications, counseling, education and guidance is an important part of the process of infertility investigation and treatment. The Dimbayaa team is dedicated to providing for accurate infertility counselling and offers advice and support to childless couples.
Psychological & Social Implications of Infertility
Infertility is a medical condition that has many emotional aspects. Feelings such as anger, sadness, guilt, and anxiety are common and may affect a couple’s self-esteem and self-image.
They may find it difficult to share their feelings with family and friends, which can lead to isolation. These feelings are normal responses to infertility and are experienced by many couples.
In
addition, social pressure can cause a lot lot stress. In Africa, the inability to conceive is often considered a personal tragedy as well as a curse for the couple, impacting on the entire family and even the local community.
Apart from the personal grief and suffering it causes, infertility can create broader problems, particularly for the woman, in terms of stigma, economic hardship, social isolation, and even violence.
In African culture, womanhood often is defined through motherhood and usually it is the woman who carries the blame for the couple’s inability to conceive. Women who remain childless may be seen as a burden on the socioeconomic well-being of a community.
The man may divorce her or, if the culture allows polygamy, ‘take’ another wife.She may suffer from stigma and ostracism and be excluded from any family, or community activity.
Taking into account and with respect for local cultural traditions and believes on the subject, infertility counseling should cover the following aspects:
1. To offer insight, reflection and support for people dealing with the grief, emotional stress and anxiety that infertility and the process of fertility investigation and treatment often causes.
2. To help detect and create room for discussing any frictions in partner, or family relationships there may be due to the infertility.
3. To provide patients with accurate information on of their chances and options for treatment, possible consequences and the importance of compliance. Scenarios of success as well of failure of treatment should be discussed with them.
4. To help couples come to a joined decision on which, if any, treatment to pursue and how long to continue. Side effects, costs and expected success rates are important factors to consider as well social and emotional aspects, when choosing a treatment plan. Treatment plans should be strictly personal and monitored during treatment