The Social Dimensions of Infertility Among Iranian Couples: A Narrative Review

Infertility, as a major social challenge in developing societies, extends beyond medical concerns and deeply affects cultural and social dimensions. In Iranian society, childbearing symbolizes family continuity and social stability; therefore, infertility can threaten the social position of couples, particularly women. This narrative review aimed to explore the main social aspects of infertility among Iranian couples, focusing on their cultural and social experiences. A comprehensive search was conducted in Persian scientific databases including SID, PubMed, Civilica and Google Scholar for studies published between ۲۰۱۱ and ۲۰۲۵. Findings revealed that infertility in Iran is associated with social stigma, family pressures, gendered beliefs, lack of social support, and persistent cultural taboos. Women often face greater social consequences due to traditional gender expectations. The study highlights the need for cultural education, gender-sensitive media representations, and social support programs to reduce the negative social impacts of infertility and improve couples’ quality of life.

Keywords:

Infertility , Childbearing , Social stigma