Experiencing fertility problems or going through fertility treatment may be stressful or upsetting for you and your partner.
It may help to:
- talk to your GP or fertility specialist - they may be able to recommend professional support such as counselling
- talk to your family and friends
- join a support group
Get counselling
Your GP or fertility specialist can refer you or your partner for counselling.
You can also get counselling privately, without going to your GP.
Mental health supports and advice
Family and friends can help
Talking about your fertility problems can be hard. But it will help people understand what you're going through.
Family, friends and colleagues can give you support and encouragement.
It may help to be open about how you feel and what they can do to help.
Talk to other people who have fertility problems
It may help to talk to other people who understand your experiences.
Support and information is available from the National Infertility Information and Support Group (NISIG).
NISIG offers both online and in-person support.
Tips for coping with fertility problems
Experiencing fertility problems or going through fertility treatment can be stressful. It's important that you take care of yourself.
Do
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learn about your options - get information from your GP or fertility specialist to help you make the right choices for you
-
talk to your partner - be honest about how you are feeling
-
get counselling
-
talk to your family and friends
-
join a support group
-
have sex just for fun
-
remember to do activities you enjoy - keeping up your regular hobbies can be a helpful distraction
How to support someone with fertility problems
There are a few ways you can help someone who is experiencing fertility problems or going through fertility treatment.
Do
-
let them know you care and are there to listen
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focus on their feelings
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keep them involved in your life
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take care when speaking about your own pregnancy or children
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respect their privacy
Don't
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do not try to solve their problem - it can be more helpful to feel heard than to hear suggestions
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do not compare their situation with someone else - everyone's fertility journey is different