Living as an infertile woman: the case of southern and northern Ghana

Abstract

Background: Infertility is detrimental to the health of married couples, especially women. Despite the consequences associated with the condition, little is done to reduce the repercussions. This study throws more light on the lived experiences of infertile women and on how they can be helped to improve their own condition. Methodology: We interviewed 30 infertile married women in the Northern and Ashanti regions of Ghana, 15 from each region. A qualitative method, phenomenological study design and thematic analysis was employed to explore their lived experiences. Results: Due the huge stigma, some women reported that their loved ones encouraged them to try to conceive. Others revealed that, they were considering relocating from their current communities to reduce the insults, intense pressure, stress, and stigma. Though some revealed maltreatment from their husbands and in-laws, others stated their husbands disclosed their fertility status to their own family members to avoid these families pressuring these women. Conclusions: To reduce the stigma, pronatalist societies urgently need education and sensitization. Would-be couples should be counselled to have a plan to deal with such occurrences should they experience them.

Prevalence of intimate partner violence against infertile women in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Besides violence perpetrated by their husband or partner, infertile women often experience domestic violence by other members of the family too, 10 , 37 , 38 or are even ridiculed and isolated by their peers or communities. 55 , 56 At the same time, infertile women are often reluctant to disclose their experiences of IPV due to shame or guilt about their infertility. 15 , 57 Such circumstances highlight that motherhood can often deeply shape women's self-identity, marital relationships, family dynamics, and social image, and accentuates the feeling that women bear a disproportionate share of the burden of infertility.…”

Correction to: Living as an infertile woman: the case of southern and northern Ghana

“…Following publication of the original article [ 1 ], we have been notified that there is a mistake in the article category mentioned as Review, however, it should be Research article.…”

Physician Experiences and Perceived Barriers to Providing Quality Infertility Care in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

“…Consequences are often more severe for women who are disproportionately blamed for infertility (Fledderjohann, 2012; Nachinab et al, 2019; Ofosu-Budu & Hanninen, 2020; Tabong & Adongo, 2013a), and, as a result, men are often reluctant to seek care for infertility and women often go alone (Fledderjohann, 2012; Hiadzi & Woodward, 2019; Tabong & Adongo, 2013b). Due to the social and health consequences, a high proportion of those with infertility in Ghana report emotional difficulties including feelings of worry, distress, low self-esteem, loneliness, anxiety, sadness, and depression (Alhassan et al, 2014; Anokye et al, 2017; Donkor et al, 2017; Fledderjohann, 2012; Naab et al, 2013; Nyarko & Amu, 2015; Ofosu-Budu & Hanninen, 2020).…”

“…Individuals with infertility in Ghana often experience intense pressure, stigma, and social exclusion due to cultural beliefs (Anokye et al, 2017;Donkor & Sandall, 2007, 2009Fledderjohann, 2012;Naab et al, 2013;Ofosu-Budu & Hanninen, 2020;Tabong & Adongo, 2013a) as well as marital strain and instability (Anokye et al, 2017;Donkor et al, 2017;Fledderjohann, 2012;Nachinab et al, 2019;Nyarko & Amu, 2015;Tabong & Adongo, 2013a). Consequences are often more severe for women who are disproportionately blamed for infertility (Fledderjohann, 2012;Nachinab et al, 2019;Ofosu-Budu & Hanninen, 2020;Tabong & Adongo, 2013a), and, as a result, men are often reluctant to seek care for infertility and women often go alone (Fledderjohann, 2012;Hiadzi & Woodward, 2019;Tabong & Adongo, 2013b).…”

“…Individuals with infertility in Ghana often experience intense pressure, stigma, and social exclusion due to cultural beliefs (Anokye et al, 2017; Donkor & Sandall, 2007, 2009; Fledderjohann, 2012; Naab et al, 2013; Ofosu-Budu & Hanninen, 2020; Tabong & Adongo, 2013a) as well as marital strain and instability (Anokye et al, 2017; Donkor et al, 2017; Fledderjohann, 2012; Nachinab et al, 2019; Nyarko & Amu, 2015; Tabong & Adongo, 2013a). Consequences are often more severe for women who are disproportionately blamed for infertility (Fledderjohann, 2012; Nachinab et al, 2019; Ofosu-Budu & Hanninen, 2020; Tabong & Adongo, 2013a), and, as a result, men are often reluctant to seek care for infertility and women often go alone (Fledderjohann, 2012; Hiadzi & Woodward, 2019; Tabong & Adongo, 2013b). Due to the social and health consequences, a high proportion of those with infertility in Ghana report emotional difficulties including feelings of worry, distress, low self-esteem, loneliness, anxiety, sadness, and depression (Alhassan et al, 2014; Anokye et al, 2017; Donkor et al, 2017; Fledderjohann, 2012; Naab et al, 2013; Nyarko & Amu, 2015; Ofosu-Budu & Hanninen, 2020).…”