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Infertility
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Infertility and Catholic Marriage
"You are no less loved by God;
your love for each other is complete and fruitful
when it is open to others, to the needs of the apostolate,
to the needs of the poor, to the needs of orphans,
to the needs of the world."~ St. John Paul II, Homily, 1982 ~Infertility (officially defined as the inability to conceive a child after one year of trying) is a deeply painful experience for married couples. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 9% of men and 11% of women of reproductive age in the United States have experienced fertility problems. Studies suggest that after one year of trying to achieve pregnancy, 12% to 15% of couples are unable to conceive, and after 2 years, 10% of couples still have not had a live-born baby.
The desire for children is natural and God-given - "be fruitful and multiply" (Gen. 1:28). When couples are unable to conceive, the sense of loss is profound and can affect every aspect of their lives. For Catholic couples, infertility can be particularly challenging because of the pressure they may feel from family, friends, and even their Catholic faith community to start a family. When they turn to the medical community for solutions, they may be pushed toward options that are morally problematic and detrimental to marriage, family and society.
The purpose of this web page is to provide Catholic married couples carrying the cross of infertility with choices that offer real hope, are morally acceptable, and contribute to the well-being of married couples, the Catholic faith community and society as a whole. -
Understanding InfertilityInfertility is a symptom of underlying disease. The diseases that cause infertility have a “two-pronged” effect. They not only hinder the functioning of fertility, but they also cause both short and long-term health problems.
The persistent unwillingness to address infertility problems from this perspective is one of the major flaws in the current approach to the treatment of infertility.Until 1978, most of the effort in medicine in evaluating and treating women with infertility was placed in trying to identify and treat the underlying causes. In 1978, in vitro fertilization produced a paradigm shift. It led to a “skipping over” the causes and this continues up to the present time to be the foundational management approach. In essence, this is a symptomatic or Band-Aid approach to treatment, not one that gets to the root causes (Source: Naprotechnology.com).The Causes of InfertilityWhile there are many factors that affect the ability of couples to conceive and bear children, here are some of the most common causes of infertility:- Ovarian dysfunction: This means that the ovaries are producing lower amounts of their hormones and ineffective eggs.
- Endometriosis: Cells from the lining of the womb are now mistakenly occurring in the pelvis outside of the womb, causing the immune system to attack these cells and those inside the womb. This can cause pain, scarring and difficulty achieving a pregnancy.
- Polycystic ovarian disease: Numerous small cysts are present on the ovary, which impair its function and cause too many testosterone-like hormones to be produced.
- Low sperm production: This is now fairly easily countered by helping the woman’s body to function at peak performance and by nutritional, medicinal and lifestyle changes for her husband. We are still less likely to be successful, however, if the sperm count is zero, but this is a rare occurrence.
- Damaged fallopian tubes: This may be the result of previous infection or of endometriosis. Several new studies reveal that this is much more successfully treated by RRM than IVF, and it is much less expensive and safer for the baby to do so.
Risk Factors for InfertilityAccording to the Mayo Clinic, many of the risk factors for both male and female infertility are the same. They include:- Age. Women's fertility gradually declines with age, especially in the mid-30s, and it drops rapidly after age 37. Infertility in older women is likely due to the lower number and quality of eggs, and can also be due to health problems that affect fertility. Men over age 40 may be less fertile than younger men.
- Tobacco use. Smoking tobacco or marijuana by either partner may reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. Smoking also reduces the possible effectiveness of fertility treatment. Miscarriages are more frequent in women who smoke. Smoking can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction and a low sperm count in men.
- Alcohol use. For women, there's no safe level of alcohol use during conception or pregnancy. Alcohol use may contribute to infertility. For men, heavy alcohol use can decrease sperm count and motility.
- Being overweight. Among American women, an inactive lifestyle and being overweight may increase the risk of infertility. For men, sperm count also may be affected by being overweight.
- Being underweight. Women at risk of fertility problems include those with eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia, and those who follow a very low-calorie or restrictive diet.
- Exercise issues. A lack of exercise contributes to obesity, which increases the risk of infertility. Less often, ovulation problems may be associated with frequent strenuous, intense exercise in women who are not overweight.
- Ovarian dysfunction: This means that the ovaries are producing lower amounts of their hormones and ineffective eggs.
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Springs in the DesertSprings in the Desert accompanies those struggling with infertility by offering a place of respite and solidarity where they can know God’s love for them and discover His unique call to fruitfulness.
Firmly rooted in the anthropology, ethics and spirituality of the Catholic Church, and our shared experiences of infertility, Springs in the Desert affirms the goodness of marriage, upholds the giftedness of the child, and advocates for a broader understanding of what it means to be life-giving. By keeping our focus on Christ, not on conception, we give witness to His Divine love and mercy and the goodness of His plan for our lives.Springs in the Desert forms our community with unique offerings for women, men and couples, meeting them wherever they are on the path of infertility. Through these encounters, we make space for deeper renewal in our relationships with ourselves, our spouses, and God.
Our ministry also raises awareness about the experience and unique grief of infertility to pastors, diocesan offices, and healthcare professionals, helping them to understand the needs of a couple struggling with infertility, and providing tools and resources to help them minister more effectively to hurting couples. Among pastoral ministers and healthcare professionals, Springs in the Desert is recognized as a trusted resource for couples experiencing infertility. -
What is NaProTECHNOLOGY?
NaProTECHNOLOGY (Natural Procreative Technology) is a women’s health science that monitors and maintains a woman’s reproductive and gynecological health. It provides medical and surgical treatments that cooperate completely with the reproductive system.
Unlike common suppressive or destructive approaches, NaProTECHNOLOGY works cooperatively with the procreative and gynecologic systems. When these systems function abnormally, NaProTECHNOLOGY identifies the problems and cooperates with the menstrual and fertility cycles that correct the condition, maintain the human ecology, and sustain the procreative potential. NaPro also seeks to identify and effectively treat male infertility to improve the combined fertility of the couple.
NaProTechnology is a specific form of Restorative ReproductiveMedicine which is defined as any scientific approach to reproductive medicine that seeks to cooperate with or restore the normal physiology and anatomy of the human reproductive system. It does not employ methods that are inherently suppressive, circumventive or destructive. This approach respects the integrity of the human person and provides access to reproductive health care that respects the right of married couples to understand and cooperatively manage their own fertility, with appropriate medical assistance. -
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Miscarriage and Pregnancy LossWhile infertility is heartbreaking, the inability to carry a viable pregnancy to live birth is a deeply painful experience for many couples as well. Miscarriage is the term healthcare providers use to describe the loss of pregnancy from natural causes up to the 20th week of pregnancy; stillbirth is the term for pregnancy loss once the 20th week has been reached.Doctors who practice NaProTECHNOLOGY (Natural Procreative Technology) will seek to determine the root cause of pregnancy loss. Though about 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage, the loss of a child to miscarriage should not be considered normal. NaProTECHNOLOGY physicians believe that even one miscarriage warrants an evaluation.
READ MORE about symptoms, causes, risk factors and prevention of pregnancy loss.We believe that “Every human life, from the moment of conception until death, is sacred because the human person has been willed for its own sake in the image and likeness of the living and holy God.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2319). Once a child is conceived, it is fully human, and possesses a soul; the parents of the child are true parents, mother and father like any other, no matter how early a miscarriage takes place.The Catholic Church offers love and support for any grieving parent regardless of the circumstances. If you are part of a Catholic faith community you have access to help. While some parishes have formal ministries to help grieving moms or parents who've experienced miscarriage or stillbirth such as the Elizabeth Ministry, there is always a couple or mom who has been through their own pregnancy loss who will gladly walk with you and offer hope and consolation - all you need to do is ask.Red Bird Ministries is a Catholic, pro-life/pro-family grief support ministry that focuses on bereaved families who have experienced child loss of any age and circumstance, including pregnancy loss through miscarriage and stillbirth, and after birth as an infant, child, adolescent, or adult. While they operate as Catholics, their ministry serves anyone who has experienced the loss of a child. Red Bird Ministries exists to help parents address the profound healing that needs to happen while also honoring the memory of the child throughout their grief journey.Though no one is really prepared to face a miscarriage, we offer the following list of Catholic-approved resources and information to assist with the miscarriage process and the aftermath of pregnancy loss:- Heaven's Gain Ministries - Provides for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of families experiencing pregnancy loss before, during and after delivery of their precious baby.
- CatholicMiscarriageSupport.com - Practical and spiritual support for Catholics who have lost a child to miscarriage. Topics include medical management, surgical management, caring for your baby's body, burial and names, Church teaching, prayers and liturgy, moving forward.
- The Apostolate of Hannahs Tears- Prayer, support and comfort to the brokenhearted who suffer the pains of infertility at any stage of life, difficult pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, the loss of a child and the adoption process.
- Your Guide to Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss - Hope and Healing When You're No Longer Expecting; Kate White, MD; OB-GYN and Miscarriage Survivor
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Guidance for Catholic Couples - Making Informed DecisionsThe Church, with sincere compassion and empathy for couples struggling with infertility, offers guidance and hope through her teachings on how to understand and approach infertility in a way that reverences and protects the dignity of the human person and respects God's divine plan for married love.
Decision-making is an important aspect of marital communication. All major family life decisions with moral implications must be made together as a couple with full awareness of the couples' responsibility to each other, their Catholic faith community, society and ultimately to God. The following resources will assist Catholic married couples to make the best decisions possible for the future of their family.
Church Teaching on Fertility Issues- Catechism of the Catholic Church on Infertility
- Life-Giving Love in an Age of Technology
- Reproductive Technologies, Guidelines for Catholic Couples
- Married Love and the Gift of Life
Books- A Catholic Guide to Medical Ethics: Catholic Principles in Clinical Practice.
Diamond, Eugene F. Palos Park, IL: The Linacre Institute, 2001. - Facing Infertility- A Catholic Approach.
Dimech-Juchniewicz, Jean. Pauline Books and Media, 2012 - Without Moral Limits: Women, Reproduction, and Medical Technology.
Evans, Debra. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2000.
- Infertility: Finding God’s Peace in the Journey.
Flowers, Lois. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Publishers, 2003.
- Adoption, Choosing It, Living It, Loving It.
Guarendi, Ray. Cincinnati, OH.: Servant Books/ St. Anthony Messenger Press, 2009.
- Human Dignity and Reproductive Technology.
Lund-Molfese, Nicholas C. and Michael L. Kelly (Eds.). New York, NY: University Press of America, 2003.
- Catholic Bioethics and the Gift of Human Life (2nd Edition).
May, William E. Huntington, IN: Our Sunday Visitor Books, 2008.
- The Infertility Companion for Catholics.
Ruhi-Lopez, Angelique and Carmen Santamaria.
- Hannah’s Hope: Seeking God’s Heart in the Midst of Infertility, Miscarriage, and Adoption Loss.
Saake, Jennifer. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2005.
- Empty Womb, Aching Heart.
Schalesky, Marlo. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers, 2001.
Articles- National Infertility Awareness Week, Reprint of Monitor Article
https://www.foryourmarriage.org/blogs/reality-vs-infertility/ - https://www.foryourmarriage.org/addressing-infertility-with-kindness-and-compassion/
- https://www.foryourmarriage.org/infertility/
- https://www.foryourmarriage.org/the-blessing-of-unanswered-prayers-an-adoption-story/
- https://www.foryourmarriage.org/blogs/chapter-eight-encountering-brokenness/
- https://www.foryourmarriage.org/hope-for-married-couples-who-want-to-have-a-child/
- https://naturalwomanhood.org/the-three-ways-fertility-awareness-can-help-with-infertility/
Scholarly Articles- "Assisted Reproductive Technology and the Family."
Alvaré, Helen. Respect Life Program. Washington DC: Secretariat for Pro-Life Activities, USCCB, 2007. - "Assisted Reproductive Technologies Are Anti-Woman."
Anderson, Marie and John Bruchalski. (2004). - “Infertility and Reproductive Technologies: A Guide for Catholics.”
Bozza, Steve. - "Addressing Infertility with Compassion and Clarity." (2009) and
"Life Matters: Reproductive Technologies" (2011).
Mindling, J. Daniel.
Videos- #Why women shouldn't choose IVF with Monique Ruberu
- Catholic Infertility: One Family's Journey
- Facing Infertility: A Catholic Approach with Jean Dimech-Juchniewicz
- Catholic Teaching on IVF and Contraception Explained – Fr. Mike Schmitz
- Ted Talk on getting to root cause of infertility
Other Resources- Hannah’s Tears resources for infertility
- Made for Love, Episode 7: Love in Adoption (Podcast)
- Made for Love, Episode 9: Love that is Fruitful in Infertility (Podcast)
- Organic Conceptions - "We support you with research-based insights and strategies that promote a positive mindset. This emotional shift better equips you to manage challenges that can impact your body’s natural ability to conceive. We help you reclaim your life from the stress and anxiety of infertility without leaving your dream of parenthood behind."
