Infertility stigma and openness with others are related to depressive symptoms and meaning in life in men and women diagnosed with infertility

An infertility diagnosis can lead to feelings of inadequacy, loss, and difficulty being open with family and friends. It can also affect how people view the meaning and purpose of their life. This study explores how infertility stigma and being open with others relates to depressive symptoms and meaning in life for men and women experiencing infertility. When someone feels infertility stigma, they feel different from others and may question the fairness of life. When someone is open about infertility, they are likely to share their struggles with others. This study found that men and women who felt higher levels of infertility stigma had more depressive symptoms and were more likely to question the meaning of their lives. On the other hand, men and women who were more open with others had fewer depressive symptoms and sensed more meaning in their lives. The researchers encourage health care providers to help patients reduce infertility stigma, while helping them be open in ways that lead to positive support and increased opportunities to create new meaning.