| The diagnosis of infertility can be totally devastating | | | | pregnancy. Whatever works best for you, the most |
| to many couples. If you have been unsuccessful in | | | | important aspect is to find an environment of |
| having a child, you may find solace through any one | | | | honesty and trust, and a group you feel at ease with. |
| of a variety of infertility groups. There is no doubt | | | | Now most groups are independently and |
| that others who have faced, or are facing, similar | | | | autonomously operated by individuals specializing in |
| situations, can better appreciate what you are going | | | | infertility and in some cases, just volunteer couples. |
| through, and really understand your emotions. | | | | Some groups are associated directly with infertility |
| More than likely you have friends and certainly family | | | | clinics and offer greater factual information, such as |
| for comfort, but chances are that only those couples | | | | medical options, specialized approaches and so on. |
| experiencing the same issues and roller coaster | | | | Usually the more independent groups can offer |
| emotions can truly relate. They can offer counseling, | | | | greater emotional support and have members with |
| information, and most importantly, hope. Many other | | | | genuine concern for your well-being. Remember, they |
| couples are going through similar problems and | | | | likely are going through similar trials and frustrations |
| certainly understand why it can be such an | | | | with infertility. |
| overwhelming issue. Infertility is actually quite | | | | As you attend the group sessions, you will hear real |
| common and not unique to you. | | | | world examples of pregnancy success, as well as |
| Getting through and dealing with the constant stress | | | | stories of failure. These groups are fully supportive, |
| and pressure may be easier if you have | | | | open to ideas and sharing, and definitely |
| knowledgeable support and don't go it alone. There | | | | non-judgmental. Bonds are readily formed in these |
| are actually hundreds of organizations, associations, | | | | groups, as open discussion of experiences and |
| specialized groups, online forums and unique programs | | | | emotions crosses all couples involved. Most find it a |
| that are available to anyone requiring support for | | | | wonderful experience in sharing, learning and in some |
| infertility. More than likely, several are available right in | | | | cases finding out first hand, what not to do. |
| your area. | | | | So, really what do you have to lose in giving infertility |
| It may require some searching, but it should be | | | | groups a try? A support group may not be the end |
| relatively easy to uncover a support group near by. | | | | all to overcoming your problems, but may, indeed |
| Start with your physician, specialist, clinic or infertility | | | | help immensely. |
| team for guidance and possible names. Many groups | | | | We recognize from experience, that many wish not |
| specialize by areas such as treatment alternatives, | | | | share their personal stories in a group format and |
| financial approaches and pregnancy alternatives. Most | | | | feel insecure in such a setting. This is your life, so |
| are couples oriented, but there are groups devoted | | | | that's okay. On the other hand, if you continue to |
| to either male or female that you might wish to | | | | experience doubt, anger, depression or a host of |
| consider. You of course can have immediate access | | | | other negative emotions, you might at least give it a |
| through online groups or for anonymity, investigate | | | | try to see if an infertility support group can help at all. |
| some of the unique forums devoted to infertility and | | | | |