As if being unable to conceive weren’t enough of a problem, it turns out that infertilitycan also land a huge blow on an individual’s self-esteem. 

(It’s not that we didn’t already realize this fact, of course, but now it’s been proven via a research study.)

A survey conducted in September 2009 on behalf of Schering-Plough resulted in some interesting findings:

• 61% couples said they attempted to hide their infertility from those around them.
• 54% of couples said it was easier to lie and say they weren’t planning to have children than to discuss infertility with friends and family.
• 63% of couples reported they were tired of people questioning them about when they would have a baby.
• 63% of couples also said they were frustrated by people trying to give them fertility “advice”.

If you’ve had a dip in self-esteem as a result of your fertility issues, it’s important to know that you’re not alone.  It’s also important to realize that you can regain control of your confidence through therapy and counseling.