Canadian university students’ perceptions of future personal infertility

Abstract

Objective: University is a time for self-discovery, de-velopment of independence and transition to adult-hood. It is not well examined whether childless uni-versity students also consider the potential of future personal infertility. The objective of this study was to document expectations and perceptions related to personal infertility in a sample of young adults. Me-thods: Using a qualitative approach, interviews were conducted with 39 male and female university stu-dents in Ottawa, Canada. Interview topics included contemplation of personal infertility, anticipated gen-dered experience of infertility and cultural percep-tions of infertility. Results: The possibility of future infertility was not contemplated by most participants (74%). Although students generally expected infertil-ity to be an emotional experience, women especially anticipated that infertility would be associated with negative gender identity and reduced self-esteem. Ethnic-minority participants from pro-natalist coun-tries perceived infertility to be stigmatized by their communities, particularly against women. Conclu-sions: This sample of childless young adults anticipa-ted many gendered and cultural dimensions of the experience of infertility, suggesting that these percep-tions are shaped well in advance of contemplation of family planning.