Missed Conceptions: How We Make Sense of Infertility

In this eye-opening entry, linguist Stollznow (On the Offensive) considers infertility on a personal and cultural level. The author writes of being one of the approximately 12% of American women struggling to conceive, and explains how her battle with infertility spurred her to track the evolution of social attitudes regarding the issue over time. She traces the roots of “pronatalist” policies to ancient Rome, where they were particularly popular when birth rates fell, and to disasters such as the Black Death, which decimated populations. Little was medically understood about female reproduction for much of history, and false beliefs abounded, including notions that infertility was a punishment for a woman’s sins or a result of witches’ spells. Myths persist to this day, Stollznow writes, recounting how she was deluged with unsolicited advice from friends (have sex during a full moon, wear protective crystals, drink pineapple juice) and insensitive comments. After exploratory surgeries, doctors’ visits, and herbal “remedies,” Stollznow had a successful round of IVF. The author discusses the shame and self-blame infertility can cause with refreshing frankness, and though her exhaustive catalog of infertility myths sometimes eclipses the personal narrative, readers will appreciate Stollznow’s from-the-trenches point of view. Those struggling to conceive will find understanding. (Apr.)