Infertility brings different pressures to a couple at different stages.
Couples that begin with hopes for an expanded family are faced with an emotional gauntlet that ranges from the monthly wait for good news, to the ups and downs of fertility treatment, the challenges of interacting with friends and neighbors while struggling with infertility, and more.
While facing the challenges of infertility generates stress, couples have the power to find strength in each other and strengthen their relationship during this difficult time.
If you are looking for help nurturing your relationship while struggling with infertility, you have come to the right place. Here are some tips from the National Women’s Health Resource Center.
Focus on you
While your goal is to expand your family, the most important people you have to take care of are you and your partner. Make sure that what you are doing at every stage is what is healthy for YOU.
Doing what is best for you may include seeking help from a therapist, taking a break from talking about fertility, developing new hobbies, or joining a support group.
Focus on each other
Each of you have your own feelings and coping methods. Make sure to take time to support each other and give each other time to talk. Sometimes you will need to tell your partner exactly what kind of support you need, and sometimes your partner may not be able to articulate what his or her feelings are. That is ok. Be patient and be there for each other.
Have fun
Take a break and do something fun together. Go on a date. Get active and exercise together and concentrate on enjoying your time together. Taking intentional breaks from the rigors of infertility treatments gives you time to re-energize yourselves and your relationship.
Make a plan
While the progress of infertility treatment is unpredictable, spending long periods of time with the stress of the unknown can take its toll. Take some time to decide how much you have to invest, emotionally, financially, and time-wise, before you need to take a break or consider other avenues, and be prepared to stick to your plan.
Take a break
If the stress of treatments is wearing you out, take a break. Spend a month focusing on you and your relationship and build up your resilience to keep trying or search for other solutions.
Support for your relationship
You are not alone. We offer help for you and your relationship. Contact us to get started, or just fill out the contact form and click Send. For more tips from the National Women’s Health Resource Center, click here.
