A 43-year-old member asked:
If you were a infertile woman would you feel like not a real person?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Michael Foxanswered
Fertility Medicine 36 years experience
Very likely: Fetility is such a part of human nature that when there is dysfunction, both parties can feel inadequate, loss of gender identity and many other emotional symptoms. Many are depressed, angry, or withdraw. These are normal feelings but should be discussed with family partners or a listening physician.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Dan Fisheranswered
Internal Medicine 29 years experience
No. Never.: That attitude presupposes that procreation is the purpose of the human race and that something else is less... I don't believe that for a minute. Not having children means you can focus on other positive attributes of yourself and contribute to the well being of others in a different way.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Fox commented
Fertility Medicine 36 years experience
This person characterized herself as an having infertility. This presupposes a desire to have a pregnancy. In working with fertility patients every day, they suffer these intense negative feelings and need to understand where their root. For the vast majority of humanity, procreation is an deep seeded need. Many patients such as this petitioner, think they are alone in these desperate feelings and can be very dysfunctional as a result. This is not to say that all humans have to have desire for pregnancy and some certainly do not, but for those that do and are having trouble, recommending that they focus on other positive things in their life or the lives of others would be far from helpful.
Jul 16, 2012
Last updated Sep 23, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $44!
50% off with $19/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.