Zahra is a 30-year-old woman from Faryab whose marriage has lasted eight years. She says that during this period, she has been unable to have a child due to infertility problems, and this issue has exposed her to severe family, social, and psychological pressure.
Zahra adds, “At first, I thought pregnancy would happen naturally. But after some time, I went to a doctor, and he said I have a hormonal problem and need treatment. I took medication for several months, but there was no result. Then we even examined my husband’s condition, but still there was no outcome.”
She stresses that the fertility problem has not only affected her mental state but has also caused difficulties in her family relations. According to Zahra, her husband initially treated her kindly, but after fertility examinations, his behavior changed and became violent.
Zahra says: “At first, my husband was very kind and said it does not matter, God is great. But over time and with increasing pressure, he speaks less with me and is no longer as compassionate as before. He is also under pressure from his own family.”
In addition to family pressure, Zahra also speaks of social pressure. She says, “When I attend gatherings, and they ask me how many children I have, and I say I do not have any, they immediately start giving advice. Some say take a certain medicine or go to a certain religious healer. These suggestions upset me, and I feel like I have a defect.”
She adds, “I used to attend gatherings, but now I go less. When I see others with their children, my heart breaks. I feel alone, and sometimes I even distance myself from gatherings to avoid hearing extra talk and negative looks.”
Zahra emphasizes that she is seeking different solutions to address her problem. She believes that if facilities were available, she should consult more specialized doctors or even go abroad, but economic problems in Afghanistan and the current situation of the country are the biggest obstacles in this path.
She says: “The internal wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan have also had a significant impact. In my view, if facilities are available, we should consult better doctors or even go abroad. Most importantly, husband and wife should understand and support each other. Taking another wife is not a proper solution and only creates more pain. If there is patience and mutual support, perhaps God will grant mercy one day.”
Meanwhile, infertility is not limited to women, and about half of the cases are related to male factors. It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of couples worldwide face this problem.
You can read the Persian version of this report here:
خشونت در برابر ناباروری؛ زنان زیر فشار خانواده و جامعه از درمان بازمیمانند
