The Social Stigma of Infertility Causes & Consequences

Abstract

Infertility is worldwide burning phenomena that not only affects people physically & emotionally but it also has deep social implications in an underdeveloped country like Pakistan where majority of the population is living in rural areas having low level of awareness regarding various issues pertaining to health with a high level of infertility almost 22%. It approximately affects 48 million couples and almost 186 million individuals globally. The present study discovers the social stigma of infertility, investigating its causes & consequences by multidisciplinary lens. The social stigma stems from the societal, cultural and religious expectations of proliferation which leads to discrimination & marginalization against infertile couples. This societal stigma manifests in many ways such as strained relationships, psychological distress and minimize social standing which affect females in patriarchal societies. The article also highpoints the role of family dynamics, media & community in alleviating stigma. The study in hand was conducted to explore the psycho-social problems faced by infertile couples in rural areas of Punjab Pakistan. The target population was the infertile couples from rural areas of Faisalabad, Nankana Sahib, Lahore and Jhang who were getting treatment at various health centers for primary or secondary infertility. A sample of 200 respondents (50 from each district purposively) was chosen through multistage sampling technique. Data was collected by using interview schedule. The research study reveals the several psycho social impacts of the infertility such as stress, depression, tensions, frustration and anxiety, poor mental health, divorce, domestic violence, loss of prestige and dissatisfaction in relationship. This study also emphasizes the urgent need for awareness, policy formulation and support systems to minimize the stigma of infertility and empathetic societal outlook.