The
emotional impact
There are many
treatment options and
alternatives for couples
struggling to conceive,
but the processes are
lengthy and can be exhausting
both emotionally and
physically. It's common
for couples to feel
frustrated, inadequate,
isolated, angry, frightened
and guilty.
While investigations
or treatment are going
on, you can be on a
see-saw of highs and
lows as your emotions
swing from hope and
anticipation to failure
and disappointment.
Couples who are told
their infertility is
irreversible can go
through a period of
grief that feels very
similar to a bereavement
as they mourn the loss
of the child they will
never have.
Survival
guidelines
Even the healthiest
of relationships will
be challenged by infertility
as you try to manage
your own feelings while
supporting each other.
Although every situation
and individual is unique,
you may find these guidelines
helpful.
- Remember
you are both different.
There is no right
or wrong way to cope
with the frustrations
of infertility.
- Don't put
the rest of your life
on hold.
Help and encourage
each other to keep
as many regular routines
going as possible.
- Make time
to be together.
You need time to share
the hopes and also
the fears and disappointments.
- Accept your
emotions.
Let yourselves be
frustrated or sad
together without feeling
one of you must lift
the other up.
- Have fun
together.
Spend as much time
as you can doing the
things that you won't
be able to do when
you have a baby.
- Be affectionate.
Remember to give each
other plenty of physical
affection.
- Keep your
sex life exciting.
Don't let trying for
a baby stop your sex
life from being intimate
and adventurous.
- Take a break.
Every few months take
a month off and have
sex just for the fun
of it.
Support
from others
You'll both need
loads of patience and
determination, and the
struggle may even bring
you closer than ever.
But if you’re
finding it particularly
hard to manage as a
couple, you could find
couple
counselling will
help you keep your relationship
together while you go
through this very difficult
period.
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