Overview
- Roughly one in seven partnerships in Germany remains involuntarily childless, underscoring a widespread social and medical challenge.
- Eva Schmidt from Torgau received no clear diagnosis after testing, declined hormone therapy, IVF and adoption, and ultimately chose acceptance despite ongoing grief and social misconceptions.
- Janett Rohnstock from Oschatz endured several very early losses over roughly four years and then experienced an uncomplicated pregnancy, having opted against treatment at a fertility clinic.
- Guidance advises evaluation after a year of trying for women under 35 and after six months for those 35 or older, with common factors including hormonal disorders, endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes and reduced sperm quality.
- IVF attempts cost several thousand euros, statutory insurers usually cover about half for married couples, Saxony offers subsidies, yet long-term outcomes remain uncertain with around 50–60% of couples staying childless after multiple treatments.