Abstract:
It is a mere fact that infertility is worldwide problem which affects the social, cultural, economic
and psychological wellbeing’s of women and the problem is becoming more severe when women
start matrimonial life since having children is associated with motherhood that brings social
acceptance within the African society including Ethiopia society. Therefore, the inability to bear
children is a stressful situation that affects women socially, and psychologically, and puts them
in a serious life crisis. Women with infertility have different experiences which vary from one
country to the other and it also varies within a single nation based on place and cultural
differences. Cognizant of this gap, therefore, this study is intended to explore the lived
experience of infertile women at Meket woreda, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. To meet the objective
of the study qualitative approach with phenomenology design was employed. Nine (9) women
were purposively selected by setting some inclusion criteria. In depth interview was administered
with those women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria after filling out the consent form. The
responses were elicited and then analyzed by using thematic analysis technique. The study found
out that the infertile women had perceived themselves as sterile due to unwillingness of God.
They perceived the cause of their infertility with various reasons like use of birth contraceptive
method, heredity, unwillingness of God and sexual related disease Furthermore, the findings of
this research revealed that most of them had experienced stress, fear and lack of self-esteem.
They were faced verbal harassment, isolation, conflict and negative treatment from their
community and relative families. They had also encountered problems such as beating, divorce
and negative treatment from their husband. The major coping strategies adopted by the women
to deal with their problems were leading spiritual life, having of God child and adoption of
children in informal ways. The study concluded that infertile women are leading a very
miserable life at Meket woreda and as a matter of fact, therefore, they need an immediate
support which has to be taken by governmental and non-governmental agencies.
Key words: Women, Infertility and Mekete Woreda