| Infertility is a medical condition that affects both | | | | don't hamper your ability to communicate and |
| partners in a relationship. This is true even if it is only | | | | support one another. |
| one of the partners who is experiencing reproductive | | | | Seek counseling. Sometimes you might need the help |
| problems; infertility is a couples issue. Maintaining | | | | of a therapist. Infertility can create very strong |
| communication between the two of you is of utmost | | | | emotions and you might not know how to support |
| importance. You will be the support system for each | | | | one another or you might have differing ideas about |
| other as you navigate the options you have for | | | | how to proceed with your lives. An impartial party |
| adding a child to your family. It is likely you will have | | | | can help you communicate more effectively than you |
| good days and bad days together. Learn from these | | | | might be able to manage on your own. |
| experiences and your relationship will grow even | | | | Enjoy date nights. Remember what it was like when |
| stronger. | | | | you weren't trying to get pregnant? Get some of |
| What was once basic communication suddenly | | | | that romance back through date nights. Try not to |
| becomes extremely complex. The simple act of telling | | | | talk about having a baby or your infertility. Instead, |
| each other how you feel may seem like an | | | | engage in meaningful conversation to rekindle your |
| insurmountable task. With that challenge in mind, here | | | | relationship. |
| are ten ideas to keep your relationship at the | | | | Make a plan. At some point you will need to |
| forefront during your infertility journey: | | | | determine what your plan of action will be. For |
| Communicate. Make sure you communicate openly | | | | example, will you attempt in vitro fertilization (IVF)? |
| and honestly with your spouse. He may not | | | | If so, how many times or at what point will you |
| understand your desire to have a baby or he might | | | | stop? Will you consider adoption? If so, when will you |
| be as emotional as you are. Help each other learn | | | | start researching the different ways to adopt? Will |
| what your family-building options are so that you can | | | | you consider living child free? At what point? It is |
| make decisions together. | | | | important for both partners to agree to the same |
| Support each other. During this time in your life you | | | | plan. Be aware, however, that many couples will not |
| will need a lot of support from your partner. | | | | always be ready for the same step at the same |
| Remember that he, too, needs you to hear his side | | | | time. Try to have patience with your partner as you |
| or understand his point of view. Recognize that you | | | | work to find a plan that is acceptable to both of you. |
| might not be experiencing the same feelings. This is | | | | Make small gestures. Do a little something for your |
| okay. Acknowledge their emotional state, even if you | | | | partner. If you are a man, consider flowers, cards, |
| cannot understand his or her feelings. | | | | favorite candies, or gift certificates for her to |
| Minimize regrets. Find a friend or someone you trust | | | | pamper herself. If you are a woman, consider cards, |
| who you can tell things you are not ready to say to | | | | gift certificates, or a six-pack of his favorite beer. |
| your partner. Although most of your feelings and | | | | Even a quick email to let your partner know you are |
| opinions should eventually be expressed, sometimes it | | | | thinking about him or her can do wonders for keeping |
| is best to run ideas or thoughts by another party | | | | the relationship strong. |
| before actually saying them out loud and potentially | | | | Say "I love you." During a time when your relationship |
| doing irreparable damage to your relationship. | | | | is probably strained, it is important to remember that |
| Advocate. Relationships with in-laws or other family | | | | you made a life-long commitment to each other. |
| members can be stressed when you are experiencing | | | | Don't forget to say, "I love you." Without your love |
| infertility. Tell your partner how they can help you | | | | for one another there will be little satisfaction when |
| communicate with their family and friends. This is a | | | | you achieve your dreams of parenthood. |
| tense time for everyone, even your in-laws or your | | | | Once you recognize and accept that you and your |
| partner's best friend. | | | | partner will most likely approach infertility differently, |
| Reduce stress. Recognize that you have differing | | | | it will be easier for you to navigate your relationship. |
| ways of coping. For example, maybe you like to | | | | Communication is of utmost importance and can be |
| spend your time researching the reason(s) for your | | | | the glue that holds the relationship together. |
| infertility and possible treatment options. He wants to | | | | Remember infertility impacts both partners in the |
| go for a five-mile run instead. Discuss your coping | | | | relationship. Tackle this obstacle together; in each |
| mechanisms with each other so that your differences | | | | others arms. |