Coping with Infertility
Being diagnosed with infertility is often unexpected and almost always quite stressful. Family-building plans are suddenly complicated by medical, emotional, social, and financial considerations. The emotional roller coaster that accompanies infertility diagnosis and treatment often includes grief, anger, sadness, fear, anxiety, jealousy, social withdrawal, and even hopelessness. Because infertility is often not talked about or can even be considered a taboo topic, those living with it tend to feel alone, misunderstood, or “not normal”.
Luckily, medical care for infertility can offer hope to most patients. Treatment is continually evolving and advancements in care can provide options for even the most challenging medical cases. In addition to finding comfort in potential treatments, those coping with infertility might also engage in the following emotional coping strategies: