Abstract
Objective: University is a time for self-discovery, development of independence and transition to adulthood. It is not well examined whether childless university students also consider the potential of future personal infertility. The objective of this study was to document expectations and perceptions related to personal infertility in a sample of young adults. Methods: Using a qualitative approach, interviews were conducted with 39 male and female university students in Ottawa, Canada. Interview topics included contemplation of personal infertility, anticipated gendered experience of infertility and cultural perceptions of infertility. Results: The possibility of future infertility was not contemplated by most participants (74%). Although students generally expected infertility to be an emotional experience, women especially anticipated that infertility would be associated with negative gender identity and reduced self-esteem. Ethnic-minority participants from pro-natalist countries perceived infertility to be stigmatized by their communities, particularly against women. Conclusions: This sample of childless young adults anticipated many gendered and cultural dimensions of the experience of infertility, suggesting that these perceptions are shaped well in advance of contemplation of family planning.
Highlights
University years are a time for self-maturation and transition to adulthood including exploration of identity and sexuality [1]
The anticipated reactions to possible infertility by childless, Ottawa male participants, most of whom had never contemplated infertility, were very consistent with the emotional experiences of infertile men [22,24,28]. These findings suggest that gendered responses to infertility are shaped well in advance of contemplation of family planning
Western participants perceived that Canadian society viewed infertility as sad or unfortunate, could be addressed by fertility treatments or adoption and was an issue that warranted family and community support. These findings suggest that young adults’ awareness of community infertility support or stigma occurs prior to family planning
Summary
University years are a time for self-maturation and transition to adulthood including exploration of identity and sexuality [1]. Ship-driven, protected by often inconsistent use of condoms or birth control methods reflecting attempts to avoid pregnancy [1] These young adults are at highest risk by age (individuals under the age of 30) for sexually transmitted infections (STI) [2]. Young adults generally understand what is meant by infertility but have difficulties identifying risk factors and most overestimate the age at which female fertility declines [6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14] The emphasis of these quantitative studies on infertility risk factors has rarely provided opportunity to explore contemplations of personal infertility with this population. Awareness and contemplation of infertility inform lifestyle modifications that may reduce infertility risk factors [17,18]
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