The Emotional Challenges of Infertility and Pregnancy Loss

One out of every six couples in the United States is coping with fertility problems. Yet, when you are affected by it, it can be a very lonely experience, creating tremendous physical, emotional, and financial challenges for the individual and couple.

You might feel . . .
sad •depressed •guilty •helpless •preoccupied
isolated •resentful •angry •lonely •worthless
ashamed •anxious •fearful •jealous •pessimistic

You may experience . . .
• loss of interest in usual activities
• strained relationships with your partner, family, friends,and/or colleagues
• difficulty thinking of anything other than your infertility
• changes in your sleeping and/or eating patterns
• difficulty making decisions
• feelings of isolation and loneliness

Issues you may face . . .
• What can we do when our friends and family don’t understand what we’re going through?
• What if my partner and I have different ideas about the direction we should take?
• How can my partner and I continue to try to enjoy our life together during this difficult time?
• Which treatment is appropriate for us? For how long?
• Should we try third party assistance (donor egg or sperm, surrogacy, gestational carrier)?
• Can we cope with a multiple pregnancy or selective reduction?

Help is available.
Talking with a mental health professional experienced in infertility and pregnancy loss can help you begin to . .
• understand and cope with your emotional reactions to your loss.
• gather the appropriate information that you need to make treatment decisions.
• prepare for and cope with the medical and surgical treatments.
• reduce the strain that infertility and loss can put on your relationships.
• learn how to control the stress, anxiety and depression that often accompany infertility.
• communicate more effectively with family, friends, your physician and his/her staff.
• cope with the losses that infertility presents.
• create a joyful, rich life for yourself.