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Infertility: India's Patriarchy Sabotages Men's Health
6 Feb
Summary
- Indian society ties womanhood heavily to motherhood, shaming infertile women.
- Male infertility is linked to mental health, impacting sperm quality significantly.
- Clinics must integrate mental health support into all stages of fertility care.
In India, womanhood is often equated with motherhood, leading to profound social shame for women experiencing infertility. Despite biological realities, the burden of childlessness disproportionately falls on women, impacting their identity and social standing.
Emerging research highlights that male infertility is significantly linked to mental health, with conditions like depression directly reducing sperm quality and motility. Patriarchal norms, however, silence men about their psychological distress, potentially exacerbating fertility issues.
Women also face physiological challenges due to infertility, as stress and emotional distress can impede conception. This creates a detrimental feedback loop where social pressure becomes a biological barrier.
