86 per cent of Irish women experience hurtful comments about their fertility

This is pretty appalling.

Over 86 per cent of women have experienced a hurtful comment from a close friend or family member regarding their fertility or family status, according to a recent survey carried out by Sims IVF and Rotunda IVF. Sims IVF and Rotunda IVF recently conducted research to raise awareness about the effects our words can have on those going through fertility treatment or feeling under pressure to start a family. Some other notable results showed that only two per cent of those surveyed believe that people in Ireland (in general) have a good understanding of fertility treatment and that 97 per cent think that their mental health is affected during treatment Another 50 per cent of those surveyed do not know what an AMH test is (An Anti-Mullerian Hormone test examines the egg reserve in females and how proactive you need to be about fertility) while 69 per cent of those surveyed (who have gone through fertility treatment) did not see a counsellor during or after treatment. Shockingly 86 per cent of women said that they had people in their lives criticise their fertility or how long it was taking them to start a family. Commenting on the campaign and the survey results, Dr John Kennedy, Group Medical Director at Sims IVF and Rotunda IVF said;

"One of the things we hope people will learn from this campaign, is to think before they speak. A seemingly innocent question, like ‘Why haven’t you had any kids yet?’, can be very hurtful for someone that is currently going through fertility treatment or exploring their options. A simple comment like this can also put unnecessary pressure on people, who may not be in a position to start a family for many reasons, including financial, work or family circumstances."