HIGHER infertility stigma is linked to increased depressive symptoms and a greater search for meaning in life, a new study found, while openness with others about infertility is associated with lower distress and a stronger sense of meaning.
Infertility can be a deeply isolating experience, often accompanied by feelings of personal failure and fear of societal judgement. Stigma related to infertility has been widely documented as a contributor to psychological distress, but limited research has explored its impact on meaning in life. This study examined the relationships between infertility stigma, openness with others, depressive symptoms, and meaning in life among men and women diagnosed with infertility.
A total of 547 participants, including 458 women and 89 men, were recruited through infertility discussion forums and social media between November 2023– January 2024. Participants completed validated measures assessing infertility stigma, openness about infertility, depressive symptoms, and meaning in life. The study population was primarily from the United States (81%), with additional participants from Europe, Canada, and Australia/New Zealand. Hierarchical regression models explained a substantial proportion of variance in depressive symptoms (41% for men; 27% for women), search for meaning in life (12% for men; 14% for women), and presence of meaning in life (19% for men; 25% for women). Higher personal infertility stigma was significantly associated with increased depressive symptoms and a stronger search for meaning in both men and women. Conversely, greater openness with others about infertility was linked to lower depressive symptoms and a greater sense of meaning.
These findings highlight the importance of addressing infertility stigma in clinical practice. Health care providers should actively support individuals and couples in reducing feelings of personal failure through open discussions that normalise infertility experiences. Encouraging patients to access existing social networks and build supportive connections may help mitigate psychological distress and enhance their sense of meaning in life.
Jenna Lorge, EMJ
Reference
Peterson B et al. Infertility stigma and openness with others are related to depressive symptoms and meaning in life in men and women diagnosed with infertility. Reprod Health. 2025;DOI:10.1186/s12978-025-01951-0
