National Infertility Survival Day
National Infertility Survival Day is an annual observance dedicated to supporting and celebrating individuals and couples struggling with infertility. This day provides a space for acknowledging the emotional challenges of infertility while raising awareness about the condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: The Sunday before Mother’s Day each year
- Tagged as: A day of support and awareness for those battling infertility
- What’s the hashtag?: #InfertilitySurvivalDay
- When was it founded?: 2004
- Who founded it?: Beverly Barna, author of “Infertility Sucks! Keeping It All Together When Sperm And Egg Remain Stubbornly Apart”
History of National Infertility Survival Day
National Infertility Survival Day was intentionally placed before Mother’s Day to put those struggling with infertility first in the order of things. Beverly Barna created this day in 2004, coinciding with when she conceived after her own struggle with infertility. She established this observance to provide comfort and support to those facing similar challenges, recognizing that Mother’s Day can be particularly difficult for individuals and couples dealing with infertility.
Timeline
- 1880s: Dr. William Pancoast attempts the first artificial insemination procedure
- 1930s: The hormones progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone are discovered, providing greater insight into fertility
- 1978: Louise Joy Brown becomes the first baby born through In-Vitro Fertilization
- 2004: Beverly Barna establishes National Infertility Survival Day
Dates by Next Year (2025 to 2030)
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 4 | Sunday |
| 2026 | May 3 | Sunday |
| 2027 | May 2 | Sunday |
| 2028 | May 7 | Sunday |
| 2029 | May 6 | Sunday |
| 2030 | May 5 | Sunday |
How National Infertility Survival Day is Observed
People observe this day in various ways, including sending supportive notes or gifts to those struggling with infertility, sharing personal stories to create awareness, and participating in educational lectures about infertility. Many use social media with the hashtag #InfertilitySurvivalDay to show support and raise awareness. Some hospitals and fertility clinics also organize special events or provide resources for support on this day.
Fun Facts About Infertility
- Infertility affects both men and women equally, with male factors contributing to approximately 43% of infertility cases
- About three million women of childbearing age in the United States struggle with secondary infertility (difficulty conceiving after having one or more children)
- Healthy couples between 29 and 33 have only a 20% to 25% chance of conceiving in any given month
- The rate of infertility in the United States has decreased from 8.5% to 6% in recent years
- Approximately 12% of women between 15 and 44 years of age have trouble getting or staying pregnant
Quiz
- When is National Infertility Survival Day celebrated?
- Who founded National Infertility Survival Day?
- What percentage of infertility cases involve male factors?
- What is the hashtag used for National Infertility Survival Day?
(Answers: 1. The Sunday before Mother’s Day 2. Beverly Barna 3. About 43% 4. #InfertilitySurvivalDay)
FAQs
What is the main cause of infertility?
Problems with ovulation are among the most common causes of infertility in women, while sperm quality and quantity issues are common in men.
Can infertility be cured?
Rather than referring to cures, doctors typically focus on identifying and addressing the underlying causes that might be preventing conception.
What are some signs of infertility?
In women, signs may include abnormal, irregular, or absent periods. In men, there might be no obvious symptoms other than the inability to conceive.
Importance of National Infertility Survival Day
National Infertility Survival Day is important because it creates a supportive community for those struggling with infertility. It helps raise awareness about the fact that infertility affects both men and women and encourages open conversations about a topic that is often kept private. The day also provides an opportunity for people to show love and support to those facing fertility challenges, reminding them that they are not alone in their journey.
Related Observances
- Mother’s Day
- Father’s Day
- Women’s Health Week
- Men’s Health Month
- World Fertility Day