Suffering in silence: Graduate student infertility

Abstract

While fertility is a widely studied public health issue, infertility among college students is rarely examined. Research on fertility among college students focuses primarily on pregnancy prevention. Often constructed as hyper-fertile, cohorts of women in graduate studies are struggling with fertility issues and left to suffer in silence. Objective: This study aimed to identify barriers to access and gaps in available reproductive services to college attending women. Methods: This multi-method, exploratory study employed online surveys (n = 37), semi-structured interviews (n = 5), and an assessment of fertility-related school health services available at universities nationally to understand issues related to infertility, including experience with and access to services. Results: A near absence of fertility-related care on college campuses emerged nationally, while a clear need among female graduate students emerged locally. Perceptions of poor treatment and dismissal of concerns were prominent issues. Conclusions: Findings suggest the need for self-advocacy, while highlighting the potential role of university and community supports for women suffering from the dual burden of being a student while struggling with fertility related issues.

Keywords:

• College-attending women
• fertility
• graduate student
• infertility
• reproductive health

Conflict of interest statement

The authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest or non-financial interest in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript. There are no conflicts to report.

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.

Data availability statement

Data can be made available upon request to the corresponding author.