Infertility is a common problem among couples these days. Infertility is defined in medical terminology as the inability to conceive after 1 year of unprotected intercourse. As per the latest 2023 World Health Organization report, it is estimated that 1 in 6 couples across the world is suffering from infertility. This can be a very troublesome time for couples.
This diagnosis itself can create turmoil in the married life of a couple. This can cause extreme psychological and emotional stress. In the initial stages, couples go through a variety of emotions such as confusion, feelings of denial, hurt, disbelief, anger, sadness and a “why us” victim mentality. All these are ultimately responsible for loss of confidence and low self-esteem in many couples facing fertility issues. Later, in cases of long-standing infertility, it can lead to a sense of loss of control over fate, sexual dysfunction, social isolation and depression.
Sometimes the partner who is found to have a fertility problem may face discrimination and blame from the other partner. This can cause a lot of guilt, shame and mental anguish in the infertile partner. These intimate tensions can gradually spill over into everyday life situations and lead to strained relationships. So, how do you nurture a healthy relationship while battling with infertility problems?
How to deal with infertility as a couple?
Here are some ways to nurture a healthy relationship to effectively complete infertility treatment:
1. Don’t embarrass your partner
Both partners should understand that a diagnosis of infertility is equally stressful for each other. In addition, the partner suffering from a fertility problem faces unwanted guilt and shame. This is the time when one needs the support of their partner the most. Be vocal about your problems. If you’re not on the receiving end of the problem, you shouldn’t feel ashamed or look down on your partner. Avoid bringing up the topic of fertility and its problems while debating any other unrelated matter.
2. Address each other’s fears
One of the most common fears that couples avoid addressing is the fear that their partner will leave them if they suffer from infertility. There is a fear in the mind of many women that their partner may leave them because of a person younger than them. It is always better to address one’s fears at the very beginning of their fertility journey than later. If ignored, the partner suffers from self-blame, low self-esteem and infertility stress, which can hinder the relationship.
3. Avoid Resentment and Misunderstanding
It is human to feel sad and disappointed when we don’t get what we want. At the same time, every person has his own way of dealing with stress. Some people like to talk about how they’re feeling, some like to keep it on the low. Many times, women feel unloved and hold a deep resentment towards their partner for not caring enough!! One must understand that everyone has their own way of dealing with stress. Avoid misunderstandings and agree that your opinions differ and the way both partners react to the same emotional stress. It helps in nurturing a relationship in one’s fertility journey.
Read also: 7 Ways to Cope With the Stress of Infertility
4. Communicate and Get Help When You Need It
Communication is the key to a healthy relationship. Talk to each other and share your feelings. Also, one should know that talking about the same fertility problem everyday can be frustrating. Hence, it is important to maintain balance. Share your feelings and express your fears but not all the time. Reassure each other. Keep conversations short and light. Take the help of your health professionals who can help you clear your doubts. Sometimes talking to close friends and family members can also help. Don’t bear the burden and stress alone.
5. Try Laughing More
No matter how stressful it may seem, it’s always good to add fun and humor to your relationship. This makes the burden lighter. Laughing together releases “happy hormones” that not only make you feel better, but are actually stress relievers. Always remember that this is just a phase, it will be over soon. Remember what doesn’t break you, makes you. Be hopeful and be kind to each other. Support each other and watch your relationship blossom even through the most difficult times in your life.
Remember that if your relationship is not affected too much, you will be able to navigate your fertility journey smoothly and without stress! With these tips in mind, you should do your best to develop a healthy relationship.
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