Embark on a captivating journey through the history of fertility and infertility! Explore ancient beliefs, goddess worship, and the evolution of medical practices surrounding conception. Discover how societies revered reproduction, from Earth symbolism to worship of goddesses like Bastet and Brigid. Learn how healers like Hippocrates treated infertility with purging and dietary adjustments. Reflect on the laws around modern treatments like IVF and their impact on individuals and couples. Join us this week as we discuss infertility history and the role infertility plays in reproductive justice today!
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Show Notes:
- Defining Infertility
- Infertility defined as the inability to conceive after 12+ months (or 6 months for women over 35) of regular, unprotected intercourse.
- Causes discussed: Genetic disorders, fibroids, endometriosis, low egg count, fallopian tube damage, cancer, low sperm count, etc.
- Ancient Views on Fertility
- Role of religion in ancient societies to comprehend fertility mysteries.
- Notable fertility goddesses across cultures (e.g., Venus figurines, Catal Huyuk).
- Over 30 fertility goddesses mentioned (e.g., Bastet, Brigid, Parvati) and their significance.
- Symbolism of Fertility
- Detailed exploration of fertility symbols: Earth, moon phases, water.
- Rituals and holidays (e.g., Beltane, Easter) associated with celebrating fertility.
- Medicine and Infertility in Ancient Times
- Role of early medicine (e.g., Hippocrates) in addressing infertility.
- Historical treatments included purging, dietary adjustments, and cervical procedures.
- Historical Beliefs and Practices
- Societal consequences of infertility; blame predominantly placed on women.
- Early understanding of gynecological health’s link to fertility issues.
- Current Perspectives Explored
- Modern treatments for infertility highlighted (e.g., IVF, artificial insemination).
- Impact of infertility on women’s lives and mental health discussed.
- Exploration of Alabama Law’s implications on IVF and reproductive rights
Sources:
Behjati-Ardakani, Z., Akhondi, M. M., Mahmoodzadeh, H., & Hosseini, S. H. (2016). An evaluation of the historical importance of fertility and its reflection in ancient mythology. Journal of reproduction & infertility. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc4769851/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, April 26). What is infertility?. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/features/what-is-infertility/index.html
Chandler, K. (2024, February 22). Warnings of the impact of fertility treatments in Alabama rush in after frozen embryo ruling. AP News. https://apnews.com/article/alabama-supreme-court-from-embryos-161390f0758b04a7638e2ddea20df7ca
Fertile goddess. Brooklyn Museum. (n.d.). https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/eascfa/dinner_party/place_settings/fertile_goddess
Flemming, R. (2013). The invention of infertility in the classical greek world: Medicine, divinity, and gender. Bulletin of the history of medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3904772/
History of infertility. Arizona Center For Fertility Studies. (n.d.). https://www.acfs2000.com/history-of-infertility.html
Infertility: The impact of stress and mental health. Psychiatry.org – Infertility: The Impact of Stress and Mental Health. (2019, April 17). https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/infertility-the-impact-of-stress-and-mental health#:~:text=Stress%2C%20Anxiety%2C%20Depression%20and%20Grief&text=Having%20anxiety%20and%20depression%20may,most%20often%20depression%20or%20anxiety. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/infertility-mental-health.html
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, September 13). Infertility. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354317
Mohammad, L., Handel, S., & Shapiro, A. (2024, March 7). New Alabama Law protects IVF, but still identifies embryo as a child. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2024/03/07/1236721035/new-alabama-law-protects-ivf-but-still-identifies-embryo-as-a-child,
Rapp, A. (2023a, October 21). Easter as Fertility Festival: Celebrating fertility at the spring equinox. To Make a Mommy. https://www.tomakeamommy.com/celebrating-fertility-easter/
Rapp, A. (2023b, November 7). 31 fertility goddesses from around the world. To Make a Mommy. https://www.tomakeamommy.com/fertility-goddess/
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