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A Multicase Study Exploring Women’s Narratives of Infertility: Implications for Counselors

Year: 2018

Type: article

Abstract: Infertility affects 6.7 million women in the United States (Chandra, Copen, & Stephen, 2013). Women’s experiences with infertility are not only influenced by biological health factors, but also by social, cultural, and personal variables. Given the prevalence and complexity of infertility, additional research is needed to further examine the nuances of women’s experiences. The purpose of this multicase study, as informed by four individual cases, was to explore how women construct their infertility narratives. Review of reflective journals found five common elements: (1) Emotional Rollercoaster, (2) Mind-Body (Dis)Connection, (3) Secret Identity, (4) Supportive vs. Constrained Communication Patterns, and (5) Fatalistic- vs. Agency-Oriented Coping. Increasing our understanding of the whole experience of infertility, beyond the biological diagnosis, is essential to decreasing stigma and increasing the quality of healthcare services available for women.

Source: The Qualitative Report

DOI: 10.46743/2160-3715/2018.3510

Authors: Staci Born, Christin Carotta, Kristine Ramsay-Seaner

Institution: South Dakota State University

Language: English

Topic: Reproductive Health and Technologies

Subfield: Reproductive Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $500