If you’re a celebrity, telling everyone about your impending fertility treatments may garner you some great press. However, chances are that you’re an “ordinary” Jane or Jack who isn’t looking to have your face splashed in every magazine available at the grocery store!
With this in mind, it’s important to consider who needs to know about your fertility treatments. It’s also critical to figure out the best ways to tell them. Here are some suggestions:
Telling Your Employer
- If you’re undergoing mild fertility treatments that won’t require much time out of the office, you may not have to say a word to your employer. Simply use your personal or sick days for office visits.
- If you expect to need significant time off due to fertility treatments, it is recommended that you speak with your human resources representative to determine the best path of action. They are trained to deal with such matters and can give you pointed suggestions based on your line of work, company culture, etc.
Telling Your Coworkers
- Again, this is a need-to-know item that may or may not apply. If you’re a manager and you know you’ll be gone often, you may need to assign a “point person” to handle projects. But unless your human resources contact strongly advises you to tell your subordinates what’s happening, you’re under no obligation to reveal your medical issues.
- Remember that if you do confide in someone with whom you work, the story may eventually get around.
Telling Your Children or Step-Children
- Men and women who are undergoing fertility treatments aren’t always childless. Many already have kids of their own or through a marriage situation. Depending upon how old those children are, you may want to broach the subject of fertility treatments. Just make sure what you say is age appropriate… and be prepared for them to share with the people in their lives.
Telling Your Friends and Family
- For some couples, having friends and family know about their fertility treatments is a no-brainer; for others, it’s a potential emotional strain. Only you can decide which is the case for you.
- Be prepared to answer questions. Many friends and family members may find the need to “grill” you. Just don’t feel pressured to reveal anything more than what you’re comfortable revealing.
Is Fertility Treatment Right For You?