Differences Between Infertility and Sterility: How to Deal with Them?

Do you know the difference between sterility and infertility? How to assume the weight of infertility and sterility? Discover what they consist of and how to deal with them through psychology.

The infertility It is a normally taboo subject. In fact, when the functioning of sexuality in schools is studied, possible sterility goes unnoticed. Reproduction is talked about as if there was no margin for error, as if everyone was equally fertile, but the reality is very different. Surely in your environment you know someone who has fertility problems or you have been told about a friend who suffers from this problem. Obviously they will not go around proclaiming it, they will keep it secret, since normally one feels ashamed to admit that one cannot have children.

When a couple decides to have children, they usually do not think about the option of infertility It is assumed that there will be no problem, but when you have been trying for a year without success, that is when the doubt of infertility and sterility begins to arise. At that time, medical tests begin to be performed to shed some light on the difficulty in having children. During the time the study lasts, the normal reaction is anxiety and stress. It is normal to be more irritable and for the couple to have more arguments. Once the resolution is made, the couple usually feels relieved. At least we now know what is happening and can find solutions. That is the first reaction obviously. This relief is accompanied by a feeling of sadness and frustration at not being able to conceive naturally. All plans have to be reconstructed, the expectations created throughout life must be lowered, and conception often involves a significant financial investment that further destabilizes the couple.

What is the difference between sterility and infertility?

Although on many occasions the sterility and infertility are confused, the reality is that they are two completely different concepts. Both infertility and sterility imply problems getting pregnant but there are small differences between their meaning.

What is sterility?

A person is said to suffer from sterility when there is a physical problem that prevents conceiving a child. In this way, when a person has symptoms of infertility, they cannot become pregnant even through medical intervention. In the case of men, this sterility implies the absence of sperm in the semen and in the case of women, it implies the absence of ovulation.

What is infertility?

The infertility or an infertile person is another diagnosis very different from sterility. When someone suffers from infertility, this means that the couple will not be able to conceive a child naturally. Infertility is usually diagnosed when the couple has had unprotected sex for more than a year and has not been able to get pregnant. In this way, the couple will have to resort to fertility treatment to achieve a pregnancy. Depending on the factors that trigger infertility, in order to have a child, affected people must undergo hormone therapy or surgery.

Psychological impact of infertility and sterility

Parenthood is one of the most anticipated moments for the vast majority of people during adulthood. So much so that on many occasions the weight of infertility and sterility It can cause certain psychological damage. Among the most common we find the following.

• Stress

Failure to fulfill the desire to have a child can cause a stress problem for the couple. The reason is that in many cases people who suffer from infertility They are very aware of their biological clock and that puts more pressure on them to conceive.

• Anxiety and depression

In some cases where the sterility people can end up suffering from psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression due to the denial of having a biological child.

• Decreased self-esteem

Not being able to conceive naturally can harm the self-esteem of people who suffer from infertility. In many cases, people in this situation tend to compare themselves with other couples and may even feel less for having to resort to fertility treatments to conceive.

In many cases it will be essential to face the infertility or sterility with the help of a professional psychologist.

How to deal with infertility?

Although there is a clear difference between sterility and infertility, the reality is that both have very detrimental effects on a person’s psyche. In many cases it will be necessary to have psychological support to overcome the discomfort that this can generate. According to psychologists, we can deal with infertility in the following way.

1. Acknowledge your feelings

The first step to being able to see beyond the problem is to recognize your feelings about the bad news. It is natural that knowing that you are infertile feel pain and loss. Therefore, it is essential to tell how you feel and allow yourself to express your emotions to your closest relationship.

2. Honesty

When it exists infertility One of the first consequences of knowing the bad news is the effects it can have on our relationship. So much so that honesty in the couple must be essential during these moments so as not to damage the bond between the two.

3. Look at the options

The infertility It doesn’t mean you can’t conceive children. It simply implies that despite having frequent sexual relations, you will not be able to conceive naturally. In this way, it will be necessary that before you despair you see the options you have in your hands to achieve a pregnancy.

4. Release your emotions

Tackle infertility Sometimes it can be difficult because we don’t know how to manage our emotions. For this reason, it may be a good option to try to release these feelings through other activities such as some hobbies or playing a sport.

5. Work as a couple

Infertility can be a small obstacle for your relationship. In these cases it is essential to try to work on the link so that it is not affected by the bad news. Spending some time on your relationship can make it easier for things to work. fertility treatments or the decision to adopt a child.

How to deal with infertility?

The first thing is that the couple has to assimilate that will not be able to have a child, and that in itself is frustrating. It generates the feeling of not being useful, of being that step of nature that fails. Assimilating it is something that can cost more or less, depending on the cultural beliefs you have and the idea you have of what is natural or artificial.

In this process, problems may appear in the relationship. Guilt is usually common; both self-imposed guilt and guilt imposed on you by the other member of the couple. This can lead to arguments and more conflicts than necessary. It is common to think things like: “he doesn’t deserve me, I’m not worth it as a partner, “I would be happier with another person who could give me children”, “I have ruined his/her life”, “if we had gotten together when he/she asked me a few years ago, maybe we wouldn’t be in this situation”…Or phrases like: “It’s all his/her fault, I should have left him/her a long time ago”, “I don’t know why I stay with him/her if he/she knows that it is very important for me to be able to have children”. It is vital for the relationship to understand both your own suffering and that of others and appreciate that there is no one to blame, no one has decided of their own free will. be sterile

It is normal for the mood to drop so much in the sterility as in infertility, since we must face a vital rethinking. Furthermore, you must decide and agree with the couple on the path to follow: artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, adoption or resignation. That decision can cause more problems for the couple, since it is a path that was not inspected at first. It is important to focus on finding solutions in an agreed manner, understanding the other person’s point of view and evaluating the option that makes you both feel best. A new life plan must be established, and in that sense both people are affected, therefore, the decision must be consensual.

The process of artificial insemination, in vitro or adoption can be hard and long. Stress and emotional discomfort frequently appear along the way and psychological support may be required to face the situation. Relationship problems that had not appeared until now can materialize and it can be a process that destabilizes both the individual and the couple. Communication between both is crucial and above all it is important to attend to one’s own demands and those of the couple, leaving aside the family’s wishes that may affect decision-making.