Empowering Women On The Fertility Journey: A Holistic Approach To Care

After spending over a decade working in the space of fertility care, I've come to believe that the path to becoming parents is a collaborative journey, requiring healthcare providers and those struggling to conceive to work together and lean on each other for support. It is an emotional journey, one fraught with challenges. Therefore, patients need a team of exceptionally trained fertility experts, who understand that an all-heart, all science approach is required to address all kinds of male and female fertility concerns. While patients rely on us for medical support, it is imperative for us to provide them with a solid support structure that will help them navigate the emotional and mental health challenges they face. Only then will patient outcomes improve. Clinics that can provide a comprehensive framework of emotional, mental, and medical support to their patients are the ones that stand out. Healthcare providers need to understand that infertility is a silent but pervasive challenge that casts its shadow over the lives of countless couples. Beyond the medical intricacies, there exists a realm of emotions, societal pressures, and personal tribulations that often go unspoken. Recognizing and respecting the same is the first step to patient care in this space.

According to the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction, infertility affects about 10-15 per cent of married couples in India. Nearly 28 million couples residing in this country endure notable levels of anxiety and distress, often leading to mental health problems. In my experience, I have noticed that while navigating the challenges of infertility is difficult for any couple, unfortunately, women often bear the disproportionate burden of childbearing and the associated stigma of infertility. While nearly 50 per cent of fertility issues can be attributed to men, more often than not it is the woman who has to bear the major brunt of the social stigma and taboo of not being able to conceive naturally. They often have limited or sometimes no support with even their partners being unaware of their feelings. This is one of the primary reasons why less than 1 per cent of Indians affected by infertility seek medical consultation or treatment- because they have no one by their side to help them navigate this journey.

Caring for women with fertility challenges means recognizing their emotional complexity —nervousness, fear, and the discomfort of discussing conception difficulties openly. Many carry the weight of superstitions and social stigma. The emotional pressure and self-doubt they feel is immense. To add to this, limited facilities for treatment and scarce avenues for advice, leave women turning to untrained doctors who often suggest unscientific and expensive treatments. I believe that this is the gap which needs to be bridged by healthcare providers offering fertility services - to go above and beyond the call of duty and become compassionate allies, offering not just medical expertise but unwavering emotional support, fostering resilience and optimism.

There are several cases where women have struggled for decades before they have been able to conceive. Complicated medical conditions have prevented them from conceiving naturally, aggravating self-doubt, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of interacting with patients and gaining a deep understanding of how the profound, unwavering emotional and medical support of their healthcare providers has transformed their fertility journey. These individuals have recounted experiences such as failed IVF attempts, miscarriages, painful medical procedures – and the indispensable role played by their healthcare partners who offered not only trust, care, and compassion, but also a genuine understanding of their pain. This comprehensive support didn't just bolster their resilience; it became the very foundation upon which they found the strength to persevere.

Therefore, breaking down barriers to care is essential in ensuring equitable access to fertility services for all women, regardless of socio-cultural backgrounds or circumstances. An empathetic approach to care can be ensured by:

· Working with women to help them understand the fundamentals of fertility, their various treatment options, the lifestyle adjustments they have to make, thereby empowering them to actively engage and navigate the intricacies of fertility care

· Advocating for increased awareness and a supportive ecosystem to alleviate the burden faced by women when dealing with fertility challenges

· Addressing misconceptions and dispelling myths by facilitating the communication of essential information and resources, enabling women to make well-informed decisions about their reproductive health

In conclusion

Women struggling with infertility navigate a path fraught with challenges, longing for the day when their dream of motherhood becomes a reality. A holistic approach to fertility care, integrating medical interventions with emotional support can go a long way in ensuring that every woman receives the compassionate support and personalised care she deserves.

The author is  Chief Business Officer, Birla Fertility & IVF, C.K. Birla Group.