How to Cope With Infertility

To couples with infertility, the diagnosis may seem like the start of a lonely, heartbreaking road. However, there are treatment options, reproductive alternatives and numerous support groups in place to help these couples realize they are not alone and infertility doesn't mean they'll never experience the joys of parenting.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Support group

Cope With Infertility

1. Try to understand the reasons for your infertility in medical terms. The majority of male-related infertility cases are a direct result of low sperm count, while the majority of female-related infertility issues arise from ovulation complications.
2. Talk to your doctor about your options. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may be eligible for artificial insemination (intra-uterine insemination, or IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF) or even experimental corrective surgery.
3. Look at all of your options before you make a decision. You may be able to use donor eggs, sperm or even a surrogate. You might also be interested in adopting a child.
4. Join a support group geared toward couples facing infertility. The RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association website (see Resources below) has a list of regional chapters and affiliate organizations where you can turn to learn how to cope with your feelings toward infertility.
5. Learn how to manage the inevitable feelings of disappointment and anger. Family gatherings and holidays may be particularly difficult to navigate, but by using self-control techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, you may be better equipped to deal with these situations.
6. Identify stressors and figure out how to avoid them, when possible. For example, you may want to bypass the baby section of you local department store or skip out on office baby showers until you're feeling a little less vulnerable.
7. Pick up a book that offers supportive advice and instruction on how to cope with infertility, such as the "Infertility Survival Handbook" by Elizabeth Swire-Falker (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Consider asking for a second opinion if you've been diagnosed with infertility. You may want to ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist, such as a reproductive endocrinologist (RE), who can run more extensive tests on you.
• If you've already had at least one successful birth, but are having difficulty conceiving a second child, you may have what is known as secondary infertility. This is considered as real and challenging as primary infertility, but comes with the added confusion of feeling "suddenly broken." To cope, you may want to find a support group dedicated to those experiencing secondary infertility.
• Feeling depressed, angry, resentful and even bitter are normal when you're faced with the prospect of infertility. However, if you notice your feelings are abnormally intense, continue unabated for several weeks or lead to thoughts of suicide, contact your doctor or a mental health professional immediately.

Who Can Help: