Infertility issues in the Workplace
The ability to reproduce is considered a basic human need, much as the need for love, shelter, food and clothing. Infertility is always caused by a medical problem. Hence, it should not become the subject of office-gossip.
Anyone dealing with infertility knows what a true commitment it is - the emotional and physical toll it takes on your body, your mind, the doctor's visits, and the financial burden. And, as if dealing with infertility wasn't hard enough, now add your job to the mix and this becomes a dangerous combination to those who cross your path!
Faced with the devastating emotions of infertility, your productivity at work often suffers. Then there are questions popping up in your head - Should you tell or not tell your bosses that you are going through infertility treatment? How would they react? Will you get leaves often for doctor’s visits? How would your co-workers react listening to your problem?
While we openly address and talk about conditions like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and cancer and get support from both the fronts – personal as well as professional - infertility deserves the same attention.
Infertility Is A Medical Condition
Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility can strike at any life stage. With its myriad medical, social and environmental causes, infertility now affects approximately 15 per cent of all couples worldwide.
About one-third infertility cases are caused because of women, another one-third are due to men and the rest of the cases are either unknown or a combination of male and female problems.
Let us first understand some of the causes of infertility in both the sexes:
Infertility issue in Males
- Low sperm count or absent sperm
- Abnormalities in sperm shape
- Poor sperm motility
- Testicular trauma or torsion
- Undescended testicles
- Hernia repair
- Unusually early or late puberty
Also Read: 10 Common Causes Of Male Infertility
Infertility issue in Females
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes
- Irregular or absent ovulation
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids or polyps
- Abnormalities in uterine shape
- Pelvic adhesions
Other factors that play a role in infertility include cancer treatment, exposure to certain toxins in the environment, work and life stress, weight gain issues, smoking, chronic alcohol abuse, and male and female reproductive aging.
Also Read: Is Your Sexual Life Fine?
Impact Of Infertility On The Working Population
Regardless of the terms used to describe infertility, most people who have lived through the experience describe it as profoundly devastating and as impactful as if they are diagnosed with cancer. Moreover, it’s kind of a shameful experience for them thinking “less of a man” or “an incomplete woman”. Such negative thoughts make them increasingly anxious and depressed as their dream of having a baby recedes from view.
The emotional devastation that often accompanies infertility permeates all aspects of people’s lives, including the workplace. Infertility erodes work attendance, productivity, and resources, leading to higher costs. Many people even want to quit the job but they can’t! They have to match the financial requirements for infertility treatment bills.
Why is it important to take Infertility Treatment?
It is very important to diagnose the cause and treat infertility appropriately. The problem with infertility patients is that they shy away from discussing their problems, even with doctors. This leads to either delay in the infertility treatment leading to further complications that can also affect your relationship with your partner or irreversible damage to your health.
Homeopathy, a natural form of mind-body medicine, is ideally geared to treat and correct many of the underlying predispositions for infertility. Homeopathic infertility treatment depends upon the manifestation of the disease, along with personality or distinctive characteristics of the individual. It takes into consideration actual symptoms of the disorder along with individual personality traits like lifestyle, body build up, mental makeup and temperament. That is how the homeopathic medicines are able to treat the root cause of the problem and address the problem in its entirety. An added benefit of homeopathic infertility treatment is that it has no side-effects at all.
Besides taking medical help, it is imperative to make certain lifestyle changes. Avoid cigarettes and any drugs that may affect sperm count or reduce sexual function. Overweight couples should try to reduce weight. Get sufficient rest, and exercise moderately but regularly. Remember, excessive exercise can also impair fertility function of your body. Another major factor is stress, you should learn to cope up with the emotional complications which may put down your confidence and make you feel depressed.
Also Read: Homeopathy for Erectile Dysfunction
