Infertility is a condition that affects both men and women. It is defined as the inability to conceive a child after one year of trying for couples who are below 35 years of age, and after six months of trying for those above 35.

While both sexes face the emotional and psychological trauma of infertility, it is important to understand the individual experiences, challenges, and pain that each gender faces. In this article, we will explore the gender differences in infertility and which sex faces more pain.

Male Infertility: The Silent Pain

Male infertility is defined as the inability of a man to cause pregnancy in a fertile female partner.

According to the American Urological Association, approximately 15 percent of couples are infertile, and male infertility is the sole cause of infertility in approximately 20 percent of couples, and a contributing factor in another 30 to 40 percent of cases.

Male infertility is often referred to as the silent pain because it is less discussed than female infertility. Men may feel embarrassed or less of a man for not being able to impregnate their partner.

The emotional pain they experience can lead to depression, anxiety, and a feeling of guilt. Male infertility also creates a stigma which can be hard to bear. Unlike women who can share their infertility journey with others, men are less likely to discuss their infertility problems with others, making the journey a lonely one.

Female Infertility: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

Female infertility is defined as the inability of a woman to get pregnant, either by natural means or through medical treatments.

Female infertility affects approximately 10 percent of women of reproductive age, and the causes can be due to ovulation problems, endometriosis, damaged fallopian tubes, and PCOS, among others.

Infertility can take a huge emotional toll on women. The journey can be a rollercoaster of emotions, ranging from grief, anger, frustration, pain, and isolation. Women may feel like they are failing as they cannot conceive or carry a baby full term.

They may also feel pressured by society and family to become mothers, and the inability to fulfill this role may make them feel like they are not fulfilling their purpose in life.

Miscarriage: A Shared Pain

Miscarriage is defined as the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation. Both men and women can experience miscarriage and it can affect both sexes emotionally and mentally.

While women may feel physical pain and trauma during miscarriage, men may experience a similar emotional pain as women, often due to their desire to protect and provide for their partner and unborn child.

Men may also feel a sense of frustration as they are unable to fix the pain their partner is experiencing.

Grief comes in different forms and while men and women may experience it differently, it is important to acknowledge and support each other during this trying time.

Impact of Infertility on Relationships

Infertility can impact relationships differently for both sexes. While women may feel like they are not fulfilling their role as a partner or mother, men may feel inadequate and powerless.

Infertility can lead to a sense of disconnection and strain between partners, which may eventually lead to depression or anxiety.

Infertility has been found to affect intimacy between couples. Sexual relationships are often focused on procreation which can lead to pressure, stress, and anxiety.

Couples experiencing infertility may also experience a lack of communication and emotional support as they may feel the need to protect their partner from emotional pain.

Society’s Role in Infertility

Infertility can be a topic that is surrounded by shame, stigma, and misunderstanding. Society often places pressure on women to become mothers, creating a belief that women who cannot conceive are incomplete or less of a woman.

This stigma can leave women feeling invisible, unsupported, and judged.

Men also face stigma as infertility is not as widely discussed as female infertility. Men may be seen as less masculine or virile, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy.

Society often portrays pregnancy and motherhood as a woman’s role, neglecting the fact that men can also be affected by infertility.

Conclusion

Infertility is a complex condition that affects both men and women. While both sexes may face similar physical challenges, the emotional and psychological trauma can be different.

Male infertility is often referred to as the silent pain, while female infertility is a rollercoaster of emotions. Miscarriage is a shared experience with both sexes feeling the emotional pain. Infertility can impact relationships and intimacy, creating a sense of disconnection and strain between partners.

Society’s role in infertility can create stigma and shame, leading to feelings of invisibility and judgment.