Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 12(3), pp. 600 - 608
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2024.120317
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Breaking the Silence: Uncovering Factors Delaying Timely Initiation of Fertility Treatment among Infertile Couples

Sri Raghavi Vasudevan , Mohanraj Bhuvaneswari ^*
Department of Social Sciences, School of Social Sciences and Languages, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India

ABSTRACT

Infertility is a prominent concern, particularly in patriarchal societies such as India, that imposes considerable strain on couples seeking natural conception. However, medical advancement in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) helped these couples achieve their aspirations of becoming parents through biological conception. Yet, procrastination in seeking assistance from a healthcare practitioner, particularly in women over the age of 35, amplifies the likelihood of remaining infertile. This study explores the barriers associated with timely initiation of fertility treatment among infertile couples using a qualitative approach. Employing the purposive sample technique, this study included 19 individuals from a private reproductive clinic in Chennai. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather detailed case narratives from the participants, and the data were analyzed using content analysis. Four main categories were discerned through content analysis: social challenges, accessibility challenges, psychological hurdles, and lack of work-life balance. The current study discovered that major barriers to fertility treatments include perceived stigma, lack of spouse cooperation, financial burden, geographical barriers, fatalistic approach, increased optimism, work commitments, and time constraints. This study can assist health educators, physicians, policymakers, and psychologists in recognizing and implementing appropriate measures. Additionally, it may help couples recognize the importance of prompt intervention.

KEYWORDS
Infertility, Treatment Delay, Fertility Treatment

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Sri Raghavi Vasudevan , Mohanraj Bhuvaneswari , "Breaking the Silence: Uncovering Factors Delaying Timely Initiation of Fertility Treatment among Infertile Couples," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 12, No. 3, pp. 600 - 608, 2024. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2024.120317.

(b). APA Format:
Sri Raghavi Vasudevan , Mohanraj Bhuvaneswari (2024). Breaking the Silence: Uncovering Factors Delaying Timely Initiation of Fertility Treatment among Infertile Couples. Universal Journal of Public Health, 12(3), 600 - 608. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2024.120317.