One common cause is genetic engineering gone awry. In many sci - fi stories, scientists play with genes and accidentally create infertility issues. Another is environmental degradation, like in stories where the air and water are so polluted that it affects human fertility.
One common cause is technological malfunction. In many sci - fi stories, memory implants or neural interfaces might malfunction and cause memory loss. For instance, in a story where people have computer chips in their brains for enhanced memory, a virus could infect the system and wipe out parts of their memory.
In science fiction, infertility can be depicted in various ways. Sometimes it's a result of environmental disasters. For example, in some post - apocalyptic stories, the polluted environment has made it difficult for humans to reproduce. It could also be a side - effect of some advanced scientific experiments gone wrong, where genetic manipulation has led to infertility in certain populations.
The marginalization of science fiction may be due to the dominance of more 'conventional' forms of literature in educational institutions. Since schools and universities often emphasize classics and realist literature, science fiction may be seen as less important or academic. Also, some people find the scientific concepts in science fiction difficult to understand, leading to its reduced popularity.
Emotional turmoil is a common theme. Characters often experience a range of emotions like grief, anger, and hopelessness due to infertility. For example, in many books, the female characters might feel a sense of inadequacy.
Limited resources are a major cause. Space colonies often have a scarcity of things like water, soil, and energy, which are crucial for traditional farming. For instance, without a large supply of fresh water, it's difficult to grow enough food for the colony.
One cause is the manipulation of time. For example, in time - travel stories. If you go back in time and change something, it can create a paradox like the grandfather paradox. If you kill your grandfather before he has children, how can you exist to go back in time in the first place? Another cause could be the different physical laws assumed in science fiction universes that conflict with our known real - world physics, leading to paradoxical situations.
Another cause is the breakdown of community. In modern stories, characters may lack a strong community support system. Without that sense of belonging, they experience alienation. For instance, in urban - set novels, the impersonal nature of the city can isolate characters and create a sense of alienation.
The theme of loss is also prevalent. There can be a sense of loss not only of the ability to have a biological child but also of the dreams and expectations that the couple had. This loss can be grieved in different ways within the story. Additionally, the theme of acceptance is important. The characters may struggle to accept their situation, but eventually, they may come to terms with it, and this journey is often a central part of the plot in infertility romance novels.
Often, these books focus on the emotional turmoil of the characters. They show the sadness, the longing, and the desperation that can come with infertility.
One common element is proper medical treatment. For instance, surgical removal of endometrial lesions can often improve the chances of conception. Another is lifestyle changes. Women who manage stress well and have a balanced diet seem to have better odds.