Infertility: Breaking the Stigma and Understanding Your Options

Infertility is not just a clinical diagnosis—it’s an emotionally complex, often isolating experience that affects millions of people globally. And yet, despite its prevalence, infertility is still surrounded by stigma, silence, and societal misconception. At the Fertility Institute of San Diego, we believe it’s time to shift the narrative.

Led by renowned fertility specialist Dr. Minoos Hosseinzadeh, our boutique practice provides individualized care with advanced treatment protocols—all while creating a compassionate space for understanding infertility and the many paths to parenthood.

“No one should feel shame for struggling with fertility,” says Dr. Hosseinzadeh. “We are here to demystify the process, destigmatize the diagnosis, and support patients every step of the way.”

Defining Infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse (or six months if the individual is over 35). But definitions alone don’t capture the real-life emotional and psychological toll that infertility can have on a person or couple.

For some, infertility is the result of a medical condition. For others, the cause remains idiopathic—an unsettling ambiguity that can intensify emotional stress. Regardless of cause, the experience is deeply personal and often misunderstood.

Understanding the Infertility Stigma

Stigma surrounding infertility is rooted in outdated societal norms, misconceptions about gender roles, and a lack of open dialogue around reproductive health. Women are disproportionately blamed, even though male infertility contributes to nearly 40–50% of cases. This bias not only distorts public perception but delays access to proper treatment.

“Infertility is a shared challenge—not a woman’s burden,” Dr. Hosseinzadeh emphasizes. “And both men and women deserve equal compassion, support, and attention in the diagnostic process.”

Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors

While infertility often presents with few outward symptoms, there are underlying conditions that can affect fertility in both men and women.

Female Infertility May Be Caused By:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Diminished ovarian reserve
• Blocked fallopian tubes
• Hormonal imbalances

Male Infertility May Be Caused By:

• Low sperm count
• Abnormal sperm morphology
• Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
• Hormonal imbalances
• Genetic disorders

Risk Factors for Infertility Include:

• Age (especially over 35 in women and over 50 in men)
• Smoking, alcohol use, or drug abuse
• Obesity or extreme underweight
• Exposure to environmental toxins
• Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disorders

The Emotional Impact of Infertility

The emotional impact of infertility can be profound, leading to anxiety, depression, relationship strain, and social withdrawal. Feelings of inadequacy and self-blame are common, especially when surrounded by pregnancy announcements and societal expectations.

“Our emotional well-being is often connected to our reproductive health,” Dr. Hosseinzadeh notes. “That’s why our care extends beyond lab results. We walk with our patients, emotionally and clinically.”

Fertility Treatment Options

Thanks to advancements in reproductive medicine, there are more fertility treatment options available than ever before. At Fertility Institute of San Diego, we tailor treatment plans based on each patient’s unique diagnosis, medical history, and goals.

Common Treatment Options Include:

Ovulation Induction:
Medications stimulate ovulation to increase the chance of pregnancy through timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination (IUI).

IUI Procedure:
A minimally invasive option where washed sperm is directly inserted into the uterus close to the time of ovulation.

IVF Treatment (In Vitro Fertilization):
Eggs are retrieved, fertilized with sperm in a lab, embryos are allowed to develop to the blastocyst stage, then are transferred into the uterus. This is often used for more complex fertility cases.

Egg Donation, Sperm Donation, Surrogacy:
A known or anonymous person gives the gift of eggs or sperm for the embryo creation process of the intended parent. Surrogacy is when a woman carries a pregnancy in order for the intended parents to have a child. Third-party reproduction allows individuals or couples to build families when they are unable to without this specialized help.

Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT):
Embryos can be tested for genetic abnormalities before transfer, improving outcomes and reducing miscarriage risk.

Fertility Preservation:
Options like egg, sperm, or embryo freezing for individuals who want to delay childbearing due to personal or medical reasons.

When to Seek Help

It’s recommended to consult a fertility specialist if:

• You’re under 35 and haven’t conceived after 12 months of trying
• You’re over 35 and haven’t conceived after 6 months
• You have a history of irregular periods, miscarriage, or pelvic surgery
• You or your partner have known reproductive health concerns

Early intervention can lead to better outcomes.

Coping with Infertility and Finding Support

Fertility challenges can be emotionally taxing—but you are not alone. Support groups, counseling, and open communication with your partner or healthcare provider can alleviate feelings of isolation.

At Fertility Institute of San Diego, we offer personalized care in a supportive environment.

“Every fertility journey is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all approach—just a commitment to compassion, science, and hope,” says Dr. Hosseinzadeh.

Breaking the Stigma of Infertility

To break the stigma of infertility, we must normalize conversations, challenge misconceptions, and advocate for inclusive, comprehensive fertility education.

Ways to Break the Stigma:

• Share personal stories (when comfortable) to help others feel seen
• Avoid harmful language like “trying too hard” or “just relax”
• Promote fertility awareness in both public and private spheres
• Support legislative policies that improve access to fertility care

The more we talk about infertility, the more we remove the shame surrounding it.

Frequently Asked Questions