Shame and stigma still attached to infertility

The shame and stigma of infertility are still part and parcel of dealing with it despite far greater public awareness of how it affects people, according to the chair of the National Infertility Support and Information Group. 

Helen Browne said infertility, which affects one in six people, was “still isolating, still stigmatising” especially for those living in rural areas where the issue was “not so much taboo” as “not discussed”.

“People are OK, generally speaking, about talking to their families and close friends, but not so much outside that circle,” said Ms Browne. “It can be very stressful for people if they are trying to conceal it from work colleagues. They end up sneaking out to clinic appointments and are very nervous about being seen going into the treatment clinic.”