Disappointment and sadness can accompany not being able to have children.
It’s estimated that one in seven couples suffer from fertility problems, with the most common issues being male-factor infertility, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and ovarian cysts.
But, how do you cope when becoming a parent isn’t an option?
There are options such as considering fertility treatments. You should always get help with your mental health and talk to your partner to work together through such difficult times like this.
Here are some things you can do to cope when you aren’t able to become pregnant.
How infertility affects mental health
Many people don’t realise the toll infertility can take on mental health. The stress and anxiety that comes with not knowing if you’ll be able to have children and the frustration at the lack of control over your body.
All these are things that can affect your mental health in a negative way- which is why it’s so important to find ways to deal with it.
A lot of people feel pressured by society and their own expectations to have children. This can gradually lead them into depression and anxiety, which in turn makes it even more difficult to conceive.
You may want to pay attention to signs that could indicate that your mental health is declining, such as loss of appetite, poor sleep, and struggling to carry out your normal routine.
Exploring fertility treatment options
There is no shame in reaching out to a healthcare provider and discussing fertility treatments. If you’re considering exploring this path, it’s important to understand what might be best for you.
The two most popular treatments are in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI).
There is no one-size-fits-all approach, so it’s important that you work with your doctor or clinic to find the right treatment plan for you.
Often, specialists will also recommend complementary approaches, such as looking at ways to support IVF treatment with fertility massage and acupuncture.
Indeed, your mental health, well-being, and overall stress levels can also be determinant factors. Couples testify that combining medical procedures and alternative health solutions can increase your success rate.
Considering alternative family options
If you find out that you are infertile, it can be very hard and extremely scary. If you are in a long-term relationship, it can feel like your entire world has been shattered.
However, it is important to remember that there are always options, even if they aren’t the ones you want or had planned for. You may need to consider alternatives like adoption or surrogacy, but this is not the end of your journey.
There are still many ways for you to have a family.
In some cases, infertility may be temporary, or the couple may want to wait until they are more financially stable before they start trying for children. In these cases, considering alternative family options early on can help them set themselves up for success later down the line.
Regardless of your choices, the most important thing to do is to talk openly to your partner.
Perhaps, you see fertility problems as something that could affect your partner’s expectations while, in reality, they could be perfectly happy with a childless family.
Being aware of each other’s needs and wants can also make a huge difference. Not every couple feels the need to have children, and the decision doesn’t affect their happiness.
Photo by Zarina Iskarova on Unsplash
