National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), observed annually in the United States during the last week of April, aims to raise awareness about infertility and its impact on individuals and couples. It’s a time to promote understanding, encourage empathy, and provide support to those struggling with this often-misunderstood condition.
Why is NIAW important?
- Infertility is a common problem. Approximately 1 in 8 couples in the United States experience infertility.
- Infertility can be emotionally and physically challenging. The journey of infertility can be filled with emotional highs and lows, along with physical and financial difficulties.
- Many people feel alone and isolated when dealing with infertility. NIAW helps to break the silence and create a sense of community for those who are affected.
- Raising awareness about infertility can lead to better understanding, more support resources, and improved access to treatment.
Why is infertility a delicate matter?
- Infertility can be deeply personal and private. Many people feel uncomfortable sharing their experiences with infertility, due to stigma and fear of judgment.
- The emotional burden of infertility can be significant. Infertility can lead to feelings of sadness, anger, frustration, and grief.
- There is no one-size-fits-all solution for infertility. The treatment process can be complex and lengthy, and there is no guarantee of success.
- The financial burden of infertility treatment can be overwhelming. The cost of infertility treatment can be significant, and not all insurance plans cover it.
How can we support those affected by infertility?
- Be understanding and supportive. Listen without judgment and offer words of encouragement.
- Respect their privacy. Don’t pry or ask intrusive questions.
- Educate yourself about infertility. The more you know, the better you can understand what they are going through.
- Share resources and information. There are many organizations that provide support and information about infertility.
- Offer practical help. Help with childcare, errands, or household chores.
Here are some organizations that provide support and information about infertility:
- The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM): https://www.asrm.org/
- Resolve: The National Infertility Association: https://resolve.org/
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/Home
By raising awareness about infertility and supporting those who are affected, we can help to create a more understanding and compassionate world.
Please remember to spread awareness about NIAW on social media using the hashtag #NIAW.
Dr. Kre Johnson is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician and the sole owner of Brownstone Healthcare and Aesthetics. She is the Medical Director of the City of Birmingham’s Employee Health Clinic-Brownstone BWell Birmingham. She is the Event Producer of Wifeology and the founder of Three Twenty Girls, Inc. She loves God, traveling, and all things Southern!!
Brownstone BWell: Brownstone Healthcare has partnered with the City of Birmingham to offer primary care services to the employees of the City of Birmingham for $0 copayment. This partnership is for preventative services & screenings and sick visits. We partner with your current primary care physician and our goal is to keep you out of the ER and urgent care. We do not share your information with the City of Birmingham. We uphold HIPPA and professional standards. You can visit us at our downtown location 1700 5th Ave N Birmingham, AL 35203 or Trussville: 4643 Camp Coleman Road #117 Trussville, AL 35173 205-202-5650 call for your appointment today.
