Breaking the Taboos of Infertility in Nepal
Infertility, or being nihsantan, remains a deeply rooted taboo topic in Nepali society. We feel uncomfortable talking about personal matters, such as infertility and menstruation, due to social stigmas. Dr Neha Homagai, Chief Fertility Specialist and Cent
The Stigmas and Taboos of Infertility in Nepal
While both men and women face the challenges of infertility, their experiences differ significantly. Women bear immense social pressure to have children, especially sons, to continue the family line. Failing to conceive often leads to feelings of shame, guilt, and failure. In the same way, men struggling with infertility also feel at fault because their manliness is doubted by society. Many men suffer silently since they feel ashamed to admit or talk about their problems. They often find themselves alone while dealing with issues like low sperm count, sperm with limited mobility or erectile dysfunction.
In Nepal, the close-knit nature of families can lead to increased pressure to have children, causing tensions within the family. Relatives and neighbors gossip about a couple’s fertility status, with the wife often being unfairly blamed for infertility. Sadly, sometimes, other women in the family fail to understand, and this can lead to rumors, shame, emotional stress, and even domestic violence.
Challenging Old Beliefs and Building Support
To correct outdated beliefs surrounding infertility, Dr Homagai emphasizes the importance of raising awareness that infertility is not a personal fault but a common medical condition that is treatable at fertility clinics like Indira IVF. Infertile couples can approach Indira IVF for counseling and tailored treatment that helps reduce physical, emotional, and financial burdens linked to infertility.
Also, it is time we accepted that men can also be infertile. Although people believe infertility is only a woman’s problem, studies show that half of the world’s infertility cases are because of men’s issues (BMC Public Health Study, 2023). So, instead of ignoring male infertility, it is important to encourage men to accept and tackle infertility issues. This will help them gain confidence to discuss their condition and be aware of the male infertility treatments that are available.
As a society, we must help each other by sharing accurate information and providing emotional support to those facing it. Community support groups and educational campaigns offer couples a safe place to share their struggles and learn about fertility treatments. In Nepal, programs like Fertility Awareness for Community Transformation (FACT, USAID) have contributed towards empowering women, spreading awareness, dispelling myths, and challenging old beliefs. However, to really make a difference and develop an unbiased, empathetic society, we must start at the roots and integrate sex education into school curriculums.
Breaking Barriers to Healthcare with Indira IVF
Deep-seated cultural beliefs are not the only barriers stopping people from seeking help. Easy access to quality healthcare is a significant hurdle, especially in remote areas where awareness about available fertility treatments is lacking. Fertility specialty clinics like Indira IVF play a major role in bridging the existing geographical and socio-cultural gaps. Indira IVF has made it easier for Nepalis to get infertility treatment in Nepal. With modern facilities and expertise, it offers a wide range of services, like:
1. Initial consultation
2. In-vitro Fertilization (IVF)
3. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI)
4. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
5. Male infertility treatments
6. Pre-and post-treatment counseling
The clinic’s skilled doctors and staff adjust treatment plans to meet every patient’s unique needs. They ensure the patient gets the best care and support while having a baby.
Looking Forward
As Nepal progresses towards a fairer and more understanding society, we must keep working on breaking taboos about male and female infertility. Through kindness, increased awareness, and the help of local healthcare facilities like Indira IVF, more Nepalese can hope to become parents.
