Infertility | Struggles and Treatment Options
Struggling with infertility can be very stressful for individuals and couples. It is natural to feel frustrated, overwhelmed, sad, and even angry when faced with these difficulties. Fortunately, in addition to medical treatments that attempt to alleviate the causes of infertility, there are coping techniques and resources available. Each person is different and may benefit from certain techniques more than others. While it is recommended that people continue to consult their medical professional regarding issues with infertility, some of the following strategies may help alleviate some of the pain and stress associated with this condition.
- Strengthen ties with your family and build your support system. This may require communicating with your family about what you need to feel supported and educating those around you about your current condition.
- Find a local support group. This can be done through RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, or by talking with your doctor.
- Give yourself permission to cry, be angry, grieve, or feel other emotions as they arise. It is natural to feel a wide range of emotions when struggling with infertility. Allow yourself to feel these emotions, but try to limit how much of each day you let these emotions take over.
- Give your partner permission to feel and cope differently than you do. Each person is different and deals with stress and frustration in different ways. Talk about how you can support each other through this hard time.
- Improve communication with your partner, family, and others about your challenges with infertility. Try to explain to others what you need and what you are comfortable talking about with them. This may be challenging at first, but can help you avoid uncomfortable conversations and situations down the road.
- Keep a journal or find a creative outlet to release stress and other emotions. Some people benefit from writing down their thoughts and feelings, while others find other creative ways to release negative feelings and worries.
- Try re-establishing intimacy with your partner in nonsexual and sensual forms. Reconnecting with your partner can be very beneficial in strengthening your relationship and getting through your challenges with reproduction together.
- Learn more information about your current condition and possible treatments and alternatives. Talk to your doctor and others who struggle with infertility. Inform yourself on causes of infertility, what lifestyle choices you can make, and treatments you can choose to help improve your condition.
- Try to reduce stress in ways that have worked for you in the past. Individuals often have coping mechanisms for stress in other parts of their lives that may help them when dealing with infertility.
- Practice deep-breathing techniques. Focusing on your breathing can help with feelings of calmness before or after difficult conversations or uncomfortable situations such as seeing a pregnancy announcement or discussing infertility with your partner.
- Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise. Focusing on taking care of your physical health can reduce stress and control health decline. Regular exercise can release endorphins, which can help with negative feelings. Cutting back on unhealthy foods and chemicals like caffeine and alcohols can also help when coping with a stressful situation.
This list of techniques is not exhaustive but can help individuals and couples who are struggling with infertility. Experts recommend trying at least two coping techniques daily to manage stress and anxious feelings. Individuals and couples can feel like they are alone and that they have nowhere to turn when facing challenges with reproduction. Utilizing some of these techniques can make the stress and uncertainty of infertility more bearable and less overwhelming.
ReUnite Rx is proud to assist couples and individuals undergoing fertility treatments with our need-based assistance program. Active or veteran military members automatically receive a 25% discount with our assistance program. To learn more, visit ReUnite Rx.
