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Aim.  This study aimed to explore the lived experience of sub‐fertility among Chinese couples in Hong Kong.

Background.  In Chinese culture, the duty of young married couples is to bear children to carry on the family line. Married couples who are unable to bear children often experience personal psychological stress and social pressure.

Design.  Qualitative, exploratory study.

Methods.  Seven women and four men in Hong Kong were interviewed to explore their lived experiences of being involuntarily childless. Collaizi’s phenomenological methods guided data collection and analysis.

Results.  Sub‐fertile couples reported feelings of incompleteness, guilt, shame and isolation from the ‘fertile’ world. These couples acknowledged that sub‐fertility had implications on their marital relationship and regretted not having treatment earlier. Some found ways to replace their ‘loss’ and to cope with their situation, and …