Emotional Aspects of Infertility

Couples undergoing infertility treatment are subjected to a substantial degree of stress and an emotional upheaval. With each step in the diagnostic work-up and treatment, the physical, emotional and financial investments become greater. Because of this, the monthly disappointments can become magnified. Couples feel the strain in many areas of their life. Since people react to stress differently, the situation can lead to communication problems with the partner and family.

Sharing information with another couple who has had problems with fertility can be very helpful. RESOLVE is a non-profit national organization that offers this type of group support. Individual counseling by recommended psychologists are available to you and can be helpful on a short- and long-term basis for dealing with relationship problems that you may encounter during your infertility treatment.

Becoming knowledgeable about infertility can help you deal with the medical and emotional aspects of your situation. Libraries and local bookstores can provide informative information about infertility. RESOLVE also has a great deal of excellent printed information and will send it to you on request.

Set goals as a couple regarding how far you are willing to go with your treatment plan. Discuss these with your partner and come to an agreement based on your financial and emotional limits. Also, explore with each other how you feel about adoption and child-free living. These communicated feelings will have a bearing on the limits of the treatment that you set.

Take short breaks from your infertility treatment. Try not to make it the sole focus of your life. Pursue the other aspects of your relationship with your partner. Remember the interests that brought you together in the first place. Enjoy intercourse during the non-fertile times of the month. It is different than “making a baby” intercourse during the fertile period.