Advocating against sexual violence at the just concluded monthly meeting of @angelique.women, a support group for women dealing with fertility issues. Sexual assault can impact women’s fertility. While infertility treatment is difficult for anyone to deal with at the best of times, it can be particularly challenging for anyone who has experienced sexual abuse or any type of sexual interference.
This situation may make the experience of infertility especially emotionally challenging. Individuals who have been sexually abused often blame themselves and feel significant guilt and shame as they may blame themselves for the infertility, and feel guilt for jeopardizing their partners' opportunity to have a family.
Some abused individuals may feel like they are being punished, and that the infertility is confirmation that they are to blame for the abuse, are damaged, or that this is a sign that they are not suitable to parent. Others may wonder if the infertility is the result of physical trauma caused by the abuser, but may be too ashamed to address their concerns with their partner, and/or health care providers. Hence, we believe that infertility counselling should be accompanied by counselling that explores patients’ traumatic experiences including sexual abuse.