Couples dealing with infertility issues often underestimate the effects of stress on their relationships. Even partners with a strong, “we’re in it together” attitude can experience periods of anxiety as a result of their inability to conceive.
If you’re in a relationship and you’ve been unable to get pregnant, it’s critical not to allow infertility to ruin your bond.
(As an interesting side note, some studies have suggested that the stress of infertility can be an enormous contributing factor to the infertility itself, a kind of “Catch-22″ scenario.)
Below are three ways for you and your significant other to get through your infertility issues:
1. Don’t make infertility the “elephant under the rug” no one talks about. Some couples tiptoe around the issue of infertility, all the while boiling below the surface. Instead, acknowledge the problem and move forward as a team.
2. Don’t accuse one another. Infertility isn’t anyone’s fault; consequently, if your partner is infertile, it is unacceptable to treat him or her badly. Period.
3. Don’t define yourselves by your infertility. The fact that you are having difficulty conceiving does not mean you are any less of a couple or any less of individuals. Infertility is only one aspect of your relationship, not your entire relationship.
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