Gwenda Burns, chief executive of Fertility Network UK, said: ‘Not being able to have the family you yearn for can be a traumatic and incredibly isolating experience. Far too often, people struggle in silence with fertility issues but together – sharing stories and experiences – we can change perceptions, provide support and raise funds to help others. We are stronger together.’
‘National Fertility Awareness Week is a chance to challenge the taboos and myths around infertility and raise awareness of the devastating physical, emotional, and social impact fertility problems wreak. This year the theme is #Fighting4Fertility because so much change is needed to help the 3.5 million women and men in the UK facing infertility. Watch out for our major new survey assessing the impact of infertility and fertility treatment and our daily calls for action.’
31st October #FertilityFairness
We reveal what it’s like to experience infertility and fertility treatment in the UK today. If patients can’t access NHS-funded help, how much do they pay on average for private treatment? Do employers support their staff undergoing IVF? Do GPs provide the info patients need? How devastating is a diagnosis of infertility, and is support available?
1st November #FertilityInTheWorkplace
Fertility treatment is still not recognised by most employers as necessary medical treatment, and there is still no legal right to time off work for fertility appointments. We call for employers to recognise fertility treatment as a clinical necessity and provide appropriate medical leave.
2nd November #HIMFertility
Male factor fertility problems are the most common reason couples seek fertility treatment. Yet, far too often, men’s fertility is not tested in the first stages of a couple seeking medical help, leading to unnecessary delays and distress. We are calling for men’s fertility to be tested in a timely manner at the same time as a woman’s fertility is explored.
3rd November #FertilityEd
Fertility education is now part of the secondary school curriculum but what is taught is limited. We call for comprehensive fertility education for teenagers and young adults to understand fertility isn’t a guarantee, how age and lifestyle impact fertility, and appreciate the limits of fertility treatments, including IVF and egg freezing.
4th November #TalkFertility
Infertility is a lonely experience – too many people struggle in silence. Yet talking about what you are facing and hearing how others have coped with their fertility journey can be extraordinarily helpful.
We highlight patient experiences and signpost available help, including our regional and specialty online groups.
