Working for Change

To help others with infertility problems:

· be kind and sympathetic. It is a difficult time, and they need support and understanding. Do not blame couples who cannot get pregnant.

· teach couples to value and respect each other as companions.

· help a couple who cannot have children to look for other ways to be with children or to make peace with their lives.

Health workers can also:

· provide information on ways to adopt children.

· teach young people about STDs and how to prevent them.

· make sure your local health center is prepared to diagnose and treat STDs and to take women’s complaints about pelvic pain seriously. Too often women are sent home without treatment after being told there is nothing wrong with them.

· teach women the signs of pelvic infection and the importance of getting immediate and complete treatment.

· teach men and women the signs of STDs, the importance of getting treated right away, and the importance of treating all partners.

There are many causes of infertility, but STDs are the easiest to prevent