This week is Infertility Awareness Week - a cause that is very important to me. I see patients everyday who are suffering with fertility issues. Infertility affects approximately 1 in 6 couples. I guarantee you know someone suffering from infertility, even if you are not aware of their struggles. Many couples suffer in silence because they are embarrassed or ashamed by this diagnosis. However, infertility is a medical diagnosis, just like any other. We need to continue to increase the public's awareness of infertility and the impact it has.
IAAC (Infertility Awareness Association of Canada) is a great resource for Canadian couples suffering from infertility and they are organizing some amazing events this week to promote infertility awareness.
In Ottawa, Lululemon hosts Yoga-on-the-Hill weekly during the summer months, and today's event was to promote Infertility Awareness. I was unfortunately not able to attend, however, the Ottawa Fertility Centre did a great job in promoting this event and educating young couples on infertility. Although the weather did not cooperate, you can see there was a great turn out to support this event.
We need to keep educating young women and couples to seek infertility help if they have difficulty conceiving. For women <35 years of age, they should seek help after one year of trying (i.e. one year of unprotected intercourse) and for women >35 years of age, they should seek help after 6 months of trying. Of course, you should seek help sooner, if you think you may suffer from such things as ovulation problems, tubal disease or concerns about male infertility. I urge you to see your family doctor if you are trying to have a baby and it just does not seem to be working.
Know that you are not alone in your suffering - check out this video that represents many men and women who are also struggling with infertility...
- Tannys
No comments:
Post a Comment