Myth: Infertility Isn't a Disease

Infertility isn't a disease.

Ummm, yeah it is.  Or, at least so says Webster.  And when has he ever been wrong?  (You would assume Webster is a "he", right?)

He says that disease is defined as "a condition of the living animal or plant body or of one of it's parts that impairs normal functioning and is typically manifested by distinguishing signs and symptoms."

Sounds about right.

But, in my opinion, it is often uncommon to view something as a disease unless it presents the risk of death.  Prior to learning about the disease of infertility, I can't say I wouldn't have had the same view.  As part of National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), Resolve has launched a public education campaign to bust some of the myths surrounding infertility, and I'd like to help.

Disease sounds dramatic, right?  I used to agree.  Only because I still operated with the "must be fatal to qualify" mentality.  But it is a disease.  Sometimes explainable, and sometimes not.  Sometimes curable, and sometimes not.  But what it is, without exception, is difficult to understand, difficult to accept, and difficult to explain.

I, obviously, don't have any problems discussing my issues publicly, but I am constantly shocked by the number of people who struggle with infertility in silence.  I am so grateful for my George, for my family and friends, and for YOU for listening to me, and for allowing me to say whatever is on my mind.  Sometimes I feel sad and introspective, and sometimes I feel lighthearted and positive, but no matter how I feel, I am healthier inside because I have someone I can talk to.  I have YOU.

I have wondered why so many couples keep their struggles to have a child a secret.  Perhaps one reason is because infertility isn't widely recognized as a disease?  Perhaps they feel that you won't understand the weight of the issue and they fear you will react insensitively?  It could be a thousand reasons, but my gut is that it's a fear of not being understood.  

Teenagers have babies, drug addicts have babies, women of advanced age have babies, hell even a man has had a baby.  (Props to him, by the way.)  So when you can't conceive, it doesn't make sense.  I try my best not to RSVP to the pity party often, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit to going there a time or three.  "Why me?  What did I do to deserve this?  I didn't abuse drugs, or booze, or sex.  I didn't lie or cheat or steal.  I take vitamins.  I'm financially prepared.  My husband will be an amazing and present father, so why, why, why???"

But so far, I don't have my answer.  So, if I don't understand, millions of other infertile women don't understand.  And if we don't understand, it is difficult to assume you will.

Just knowing that infertility is a disease will help.  I'm sure it will.  Understanding it is a condition that impairs the normal function of the human body (or the baby maker, if you will) makes it easier to discuss.  And I can tell you, being able to discuss it, makes this disease far more bearable.  Thank you for allowing me that.  I'm more appreciative than you can possibly know.

If you would like more information about NIAW, visit www.resolve.org. or get a basic understanding of infertility HERE.