Anyone whos experienced it will tell you that infertility is so much more than a medical issue.
It has profound impacts on a persons mental health andidentity.
Living with infertility can lead to strong feelings of loss, grief, shame, and depression.
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But infertility doesnt just affect folks on an individual level.
It touches both members of the couple.
We get it and are here to help.
These mental health impacts tend to spill over into the relationship itself.
What is the Link Between Infertility and Relationship Stress?
These experiences can strain even the strongest relationships, affecting communication and emotional intimacy.
These experiences can strain even the strongest relationships, affecting communication and emotional intimacy.
What the Stress of Infertility Looks Like
There are several ways that infertility can strain relationships.
At times, communication may evenshut downaltogether as the couple moves through difficult feelings.
Theres also often a sense that the other partner doesnt understand your feelings, says Goldberg.
Misunderstandings
Misunderstandings are common as couples navigate fertility issues.
Misunderstandingscan result from one partner feeling blamed or perceived as less invested, Goldberg says.
Decision Fatigue
Another factor that can put a huge strain on relationships isdecision fatigue.
They may also just feel exhausted and burned out from making so many difficult decisions.
No Room For Other Experiences
Dealing with infertility can become completely all-encompassing, says Goldberg.
It can leave little room for other aspects of the relationship, creating disconnection, she describes.
The challenges related to infertility can feel like a wall between partners, Reed says.
Strategies and Coping Mechanisms
Dealing with infertility as a couple is hard, period.
But there is hope.
Simply recognizing how you are feeling, individually and as a couple, is a great first step.
There is support out there for both individuals and couples dealing with the stress of infertility.
Support Groups
Joining an infertilitysupport groupfor couples can be hugely helpful.
It offers a neutral and welcoming space to unload some of those heavy feelings and fears, she explains.
There are several different individual therapy types that can help the emotional upheaval that comes from dealing with infertility.
Research has found that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective at managing the psychological effects of infertility.
You cant underestimate the impact it might have on your relationships.
If you are experiencing some heavy impacts as a couple, you are far from alone.
This stuff is hard!
you’re free to get through thiswe promise.
But you dont have to go through this on your own.
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