THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF FEMALE INFERTILITY THE CASE OF MUSLIM RURAL WOMEN LEAVING IN ALBANIA

Abstract

Reproduction is considered as a basic function of human individuals. Inability to procreate, thus infertility, is a widespread problem in our day societies, given that the population suffering infertility is drastically increased in the past decades. Infertility is considered as an individual and couple experience that affects not only the relationship between the couple but also the family social and psychological status. In comunities where fertility is an important determinant, the inability to concieve creates a lot of psychological, social and economical problems. Negative psychosocial consequences of childlessness are common and often severe, especially in traditional setting. Region plays an important role on shaping the infertility experience for women. In many cultures, womanhood is defined through motherhood, and in the Muslim religion, woman are prone to divorce, social isolation, family pressure and feeling of guilt. The present study is qualitative research design, based on of 11 in depth interviews with Albanian women diagnosed with infertility. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact that infertility has on Muslim women, and also explore their cultural beliefs, attitudes and perceptions regarding infertility. The interview had three main piles: (i) the women’s experiences of infertility; and (ii) beliefs on infertility, (iii) relations with partners and family members. From the data analysis, four main themes emerged including “cold relations with the husband”, “family pressure”, “social isolation”, “alternative remedies”, “feelings of guilt”