I remember first hearing that term and being overwhelmed with anxiety because of its implications. the prefix -IN in front of any root means NOT. And hearing that you're NOT-FERTILE sounds so final, doesn't it? I think that's where my anxiety came/comes from...the fact that it just sounds, and many times FEELS, like the end of a dream.
However, it isn't the end and for many, many, many couples, a diagnosis of infertility doesn't mean they will never have children, it just means it won't be as easy as it might be for the Fertile Myrtles of the world...oh, how I loathe that term, in all honesty.
I've thought about posting something during NIAW, but I just couldn't get in my head and my heart what I wanted to say.
So, I thought I would give you few facts and Do's/Don'ts about INFERTILITY. I guarantee, at some point in your life, you will meet, befriend, or possibly even BE an infertile. Knowing more can help you relate. One of the most challenging and difficult aspects of infertility feels VERY LONELY!
-More than 7.3 million people in the United States experience infertility.
-Infertility is a male problem 35% of the time, female problem 35% of the time, combined problem 20% of the time, and unexplained 10% of the time.
-Don't ever tell an infertile to relax! Infertility is a disease or condition of the reproductive system and relaxing, in most cases, will not solve the problem. Plus, it puts a lot of unneeded pressure on the infertile couple and points out to them that part of the issue may be their fault.
-Infertility is a medical condition, NOT a sexual disorder. The couple knows what has to be done, so no reminders are needed...please, and thank you.
-Infertility is brutally expensive and can drain a couple of their financial resources.
-Infertility is ISOLATING! As you look around and see your friends moving on with their lives, having children every other year, you start to feel left behind and stuck in neutral. This is when support is essential!
This road of infertility, with all of it's twists and turns, hills and valleys, turns and u-turns has taught me more than I ever could have dreamed. God is BIG! God is INFINITE!
In God's dictionary, the word INFERTILE doesn't exist and that gives me great HOPE!