‘Any News’ campaign launched to raise awareness of fertility-related stigma and associated mental health impacts

To highlight the impact of fertility stigma, Sims IVF has launched a new campaign entitled ‘Any News’. The campaign is designed to raise awareness of the effects questions or interactions can have on people experiencing challenges when trying to conceive. ‘Any News’ also encourages those who may be experiencing challenges when trying to conceive to “turn questions into answers” with the expert team at Sims IVF.

Findings from research commissioned by Sims IVF earlier this year reveal that 43 per cent of people who have experienced fertility-related stigma report feelings of low self-esteem, while 41 per cent cite anxiety or depression. The nationally representative research surveyed 1,000 Irish adults in order to increase understanding of the impact fertility-related stigma and judgment have on individuals and couples.

Almost half (46 per cent) of participants reported some experience with fertility issues, either personally or through someone they know, and more than one-in-three adults (34 per cent) had experienced stigma and/or judgment. The incidence increased to 60 per cent among younger adults aged between 25-to-34 years. Over one quarter (26 per cent) felt stigmatised due to pressure from family and friends to start a family. Overall, 14 per cent felt that fertility is a “taboo subject” which should not be discussed openly.

Karen Ferguson, Director of Nursing and Clinical Services at Sims IVF, said about the data: “Stigma is a hidden burden that people who are going through fertility treatment or who may be trying to start a family without success often carry with them. The research revealed that people are experiencing stigma in many different forms including dealing with judgment from others, humour or sarcasm directed towards them, or unsolicited advice, which can be devastating. It was also clear that the stigma often presents from those who are closest to us, among immediate and extended family, friends, and in the workplace.”

Survey respondents were asked about a series of situations where stigma can present, such as invasive questions, humour, or sarcasm about family planning, and were also given the opportunity to describe the impact that these experiences had on them. The results found that:

– 43 per cent cited feelings of low self-esteem;

– 41 per cent experienced anxiety or depression;

– 38 per cent kept their treatment a secret;

– 26 per cent felt guilt and 25 per cent experienced feelings of shame;

– 24 per cent agreed they withdrew from family events where children were present;

– 18 per cent said their ability to enjoy everyday life was impacted.

Ms Sinéad Buckley, Clinic Manager Clonskeagh at Sims IVF, said: “It can be heartbreaking to see how deeply fertility stigma can impact individuals and couples, leading to feelings of shame, isolation, and even depression. People who experience infertility and difficulties when trying to conceive frequently experience stigma and this can have a very real emotional toll. So often, the comments to new couples, such as ‘it will be you next’, or ‘when will you give them a sibling?’ to a family with one child, can really impact people.

“At Sims IVF, we understand these struggles deeply and are here to provide support during this challenging time. It is important to know that you are not alone, there is support available within the community, with groups such as the National Infertility Support and Information Group (NISIG), online, and in your clinic. Do not be afraid to seek support and try to connect with others who have a shared experience.”

Instead of asking invasive questions, Sims IVF recommends the following supportive actions that may be helpful to general practice nurses when caring for patients with confirmed or suspected fertility issues, or their loved ones:

– A simple ‘I’m here and I’m listening’.

– Don’t ignore the topic completely. Simply say: ‘If you want, I will not bring it up with you, so if you want to talk, let me know.’

– Advise friends/family to ask: ‘Would you like to go for a walk/coffee?’

– Advise friends/family to invite them to parties, family gatherings, etc, and not to make the decisions for them or put them under pressure.