Infertility
Commonly misunderstood and rarely spoken about, infertility is characterized by failing to get pregnant after 12 months of trying (meaning regular and unprotected sexual intercourse). According to the CDC, approximately 12% of women aged 15 to 44 have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term. Among married women in the U.S. between the ages of 15 and 44, 6% cannot get pregnant after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse.
Black Women and Infertility
These days, many Black women are delaying starting a family for various reasons, including educational and career opportunities, delayed marriage, and increased access to contraception. The rates of women experiencing infertility and utilizing reproductive technology to become pregnant will continue to rise as women and couples wait to have children and start a family. Why is this important? Because the chance of becoming pregnant spontaneously declines with age, which is the most potent negative predictive factor of fertility. But age isn’t the only factor causing infertility in Black women.
Aside from delayed childbearing, Black women also suffer from tubal factors (like blocked or scarred tubes), uterine fibroids, polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS), and obesity.
Most Common Causes of Infertility in Black Women
Age – According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a woman’s peak reproductive years are between the late teens and late 20s. By age 30, fertility starts to decline. This decline happens faster once you reach your mid-30s. By 45, fertility has declined so much that getting pregnant naturally is unlikely.
Tubal Factors – When fallopian tubes are blocked or scarred, sperm cannot meet the egg and fertilize. Tubal factor infertility accounts for 30-40% of all infertility cases.
(National Institute of Health – NIH).
Uterine Fibroids – You probably already know that Black women are hit hardest by fibroids (common benign pelvic tumors). Over 80% of African American women will have uterine fibroids by age 50. (NIH). Uterine fibroids harm fertility and pregnancy, as well as an increased risk for pre-term birth, low birth rate, and fetal death.
PCOS – An imbalance of reproductive hormones causes polycystic ovarian disease and causes immature follicles (the capsules that hold each egg) to surround the ovary. PCOS isn’t just related to reproductive health; it is also linked to obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, endometrial cancer, hirsutism (excess hair growth), and high blood pressure. It can also be associated with depression and anxiety and, like many other chronic conditions, affects women of color differently. (endroncrineweb.com)
Obesity – Being overweight can lead to abnormal hormone issues affecting reproductive processes for both men and women. In women, abnormal hormonal signals cause an overproduction of insulin which may cause irregular ovulation. (honorhealth.com)
Infertility and Racial Health Disparities According to the American Psychological Association
- Black and Latina women are more likely to be infertile than White women.
- Black and Latina women are less likely to seek fertility treatment than their White counterparts.
- Black women take more years to seek fertility treatment than White women.
- While Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) women are less likely to be referred for fertility treatment, many find that clinics and providers lack cultural understanding once receiving care. Nearly half of Black women reported that their physician does not understand their cultural background when seeking fertility treatment.
Stigma
Like many health conditions in the Black community, Black women don’t often talk about their struggles with infertility for several reasons. I spoke to one woman who said discussing infertility struggles was like peeling a band-aid off an open wound. I’ve talked to others that said their family and friends would not understand and would speak negatively about the fertility treatments she pursued in hopes of getting pregnant. Some women have cited shame, embarrassment, and fear of being labeled “infertile” or “barren.” And for some women, cultural and religious beliefs around reproduction and family structure influence the stigma surrounding infertility. Regardless of the reasons, it is essential to challenge and break down the stigma surrounding infertility. By promoting education, empathy, and open dialogue, we can create a more supportive and understanding society for those navigating infertility and seeking treatment to become pregnant.
What Black Women Need to Know About Infertility
- You are not alone and do not need to suffer in silence! Today you can find a variety of support groups, both in-person and online, where you can connect with thousands of women supporting one another through similar experiences on the journey to motherhood.
- Infertility is not a woman’s problem alone! When couples struggle to become pregnant, 50% of the time, the issue is due to male infertility. The reasons can range from abnormal sperm production or function to chronic conditions like diabetes or certain infections. If fertility is a concern, getting your partner tested is just as essential.
- Make reproductive health a part of your healthcare routine! Schedule your annual wellness exams and get a “pap smear” regularly, don’t wait to seek help from a fertility specialist if you have been trying to get pregnant for longer than a year. Develop a consistent self-care routine with healthy nutrition, physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management. Seek care from a mental health professional if needed.
#reproductivehealthandwellbeing
#whatImreading Feeding the Soul by Tabitha Brown
References
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
- CDC
- endroncrineweb.com
- honorhealth.com
- National Institute of Health