Infertility Awareness Week

Infertility Awareness Week

This week is infertility awareness week - a week of education, awareness, and support for those who are affected by it. If you are fighting your own battle with infertility, we want you to know that you are not alone. In fact, about 12% of women between the ages of 15-44 will have trouble getting pregnant or successfully carrying a pregnancy to term. This can significantly affect a woman, body physically and mentally. We are here to shed some insight on how you can be there for the women in your life struggling with it, or how you can help yourself.

Know the Facts

·  Infertility affects men and women equally.  

·  25% of cases of infertility issues are caused by more than one factor

·  Abnormal ovulation accounts for 25% of all infertility issues.

·  13% of cases of infertility are caused by smoking and 12% are caused by unhealthy weight, so it is important to maintain good health all your life.

·  Treatment is possible in most cases, although many couples will need to try many methods. Talk to us if you or someone close to you needs more information on their options to treat infertility.

Maintaining Good Mental Health

For many couples, infertility can feel like a roadblock preventing them from attaining a lifetime dream. This can have a huge effect on the mental health of both partners, especially women. It is important to address them and seek help if needed. The struggle of infertility can create a stronger bond for some couples who endure the challenge together. However, for others, the added emotional irritation and stress can cause a lack of intimacy and patience. In this case, couples therapy is recommended through the process.

Fertility drugs may also affect your mental health, so talk with your doctor about all possible side effects and what you can do to counteract those side effects. Be aware that it is normal to suffer emotionally through this long and difficult process. It is okay to ask for help and it is also okay to keep trying or stop trying when you feel it is right. Never feel guilty for doing what it right for you and your partner.

Show Your Support for Friends and Family

How can you be there for someone that is struggling with infertility, even when you have never been through it yourself or may not even have a desire to have kids?

Research.

Knowing the facts about infertility and the stories of other couples can help you when trying to comfort those going through it.

Show your support

But respect their space and privacy when they need it. Show you are open to the conversation and there to provide whatever they may need.

Seek professional help for them when appropriate.

If you think their mental health is declining it may be good to suggest therapy or reach out to someone who can help.

Remember them on touchy holidays such as Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. These days can be hard for those who wish they were celebrating with children of their own, so be sensitive to that and accept that they may not want to participate in such holidays.

Support their treatment decisions 

Do not tell them they are not meant to be parents. The phrase “no meant to be” may be comforting to some, but not all.

Don’t assume infertility is the female’s fault.