This is pretty appalling.

Over 86 percent of women have experienced a hurtful comment from a close friend or family member regarding their fertility or family status, according to a recent survey carried out by Sims IVF and Rotunda IVF. To tie in with Fertility Awareness Week, which also marks the launch of the #BeKindWithYourWords campaign, Sims IVF and Rotunda IVF are raising awareness about the effects our words can have on those going through fertility treatment or feeling under pressure to start a family. Throughout the week, former patients will also share their experiences and in-depth feedback from the survey will be shared on social media. Some other notable results showed that only two percent of those surveyed believe that people in Ireland (in general) have a good understanding of fertility treatment and that 97 percent think that their mental health is affected during treatment. Another 50 percent of those surveyed do not know what an AMH test is (An Anti-Mullerian Hormone test examines the egg reserve in females and how proactive you need to be about fertility) while 69 percent of those surveyed (who have gone through fertility treatment) did not see a counsellor during or after treatment. Shockingly 86 percent of women said that they had people in their lives criticise their fertility or how long it was taking them to start a family. Commenting on the campaign and the survey results, Dr John Kennedy, Group Medical Director at Sims IVF and Rotunda IVF said;

"One of the things we hope people will learn from this campaign, is to think before they speak. A seemingly innocent question, like ‘Why haven’t you had any kids yet?’, can be very hurtful for someone that is currently going through fertility treatment or exploring their options. A simple comment like this can also put unnecessary pressure on people, who may not be in a position to start a family for many reasons, including financial, work or family circumstances."

You can follow the campaign online on Instagram at @rotunda_ivf and @sims_ivf or visit www.rotundaivf.ie or www.sims.ie for more information.