Infertility and Culture

Although infertility is classified as a life- threatening disease and its problems are visible, it is a health problem with its social and cultural dimensions and affecting both individuals and society. There are wrong beliefs and values concerning infertility in many cultures. The fact that infertility is often considered as a woman’s problem, the belief that it results from psychological factors although its causes are mostly physical,the belief that it cannot be treated and the belief that it is a sexual disease are common misconceptions. The effects of cultural values on infertility in Turkey and in different countries are mentioned in this article.