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. This study aimed to identify barriers to access and gaps in available reproductive services to college attending women. 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. 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. 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.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2020.1851233DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

college students
8
struggling fertility
8
fertility issues
8
suffering silence
4
silence graduate
4
graduate student
4
student infertility
4
fertility
4
infertility fertility
4
fertility studied
4

Similar Publications

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!