In this article, you’ll discover how to be the pillar your loved ones need while they strive to bring that much-desired baby home. We’ll share practical tips to strengthen their support network, make them feel supported, and fill every step they take with love.
What Is Infertility and Why Does It Matter?
The World Health Organization estimates that 48 million couples and 186 million individuals experience fertility problems. That means around 15% of the global population has difficulty conceiving. This journey can bring physical, emotional, and social challenges, making support vital.
Those living with infertility choose whom to trust and share their story with. Respect their timing, their silence, and their need for privacy.
How Common Are Difficulties Conceiving?
Infertility is more common than many think, but stigma still weighs heavily. Fear of judgment increases stress and delays seeking professional help.
A few words can lighten the burden or, conversely, add pressure. Choose them with care.
Which Phrases Should You Avoid When Someone Is Trying to Conceive?
Don’t say “Have you tried…?” or “Just relax and it will happen,” because they minimize the effort and blame the person. Also avoid “better to do it naturally,” as it dismisses advances in Assisted Reproductive Technology. Remember: Avoid self-medicating without consulting a doctor, and before taking any medication, see a specialist in Assisted Reproduction.
How Can You Support Someone Struggling to Conceive?
- Listen without judging: “I feel what you’re going through; I’m here for you.”
- Offer concrete help: “How can I support you this week?”
- Suggest activities together: “Would you like to go for a walk or watch a movie?”
- Validate their emotions: “I know it’s hard, and I’m by your side.”
Pair your emotional support with reliable data: “Having an infertility problem can be tough, but there is a solution,” and in Pregnant Together: Overcoming Infertility with Assisted Reproduction, you’ll find real stories that bring hope.
What Final Advice Can You Follow?
Men and women facing infertility need close, empathetic, and professional support. Let’s be that refuge of understanding that makes their dream come true.
At Ingenes, we have an Emotional Support Unit staffed by clinical psychotherapists specializing in fertility. If you or someone close is undergoing assisted reproduction treatment, don’t hesitate to seek specialized help for personalized guidance and to increase your chances of pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Can I Tell if Someone Close to Me Is Struggling to Conceive?
People with infertility may be reserved or avoid parenthood topics. Notice if they opt out of baby events or change the subject. Remain supportive and let them share if they wish.
Respect their silence and let them know they can count on you.
2. What Are the Most Common Mistakes When Offering Help?
Saying “relax and it will happen” or comparing them to those who conceive easily adds guilt and frustration. Proposing home remedies without scientific backing can be counterproductive. The key is to listen first, then suggest science-based options.
Instead of giving advice, ask if they prefer medical information or emotional support and offer reliable resources.
3. What Resources Can I Share to Offer Support?
Sources like MedlinePlus and the World Health Organization provide comprehensive guides and statistics. Additionally, success testimonials, like Having an infertility problem can be tough, but there is a solution, inspire hope.
4. Is It Advisable to Suggest Assisted Reproductive Treatments?
If a couple has tried for over 12 months (6 if the woman is over 35) without success, suggest assisted reproduction sensitively and recommend seeing a specialist.
Avoid self-medication: an Assisted Reproduction doctor will evaluate the case and recommend treatments with precise dosages based on each condition.
Sources Consulted
- World Health Organization. (2023). Infertility. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/infertility
- MedlinePlus. (2022). Infertility. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/infertility.html
- Zegers-Hochschild, F., et al. (2017). The International Glossary on Infertility and Fertility Care, 2017. Human Reproduction, 32(9), 1786–1801. doi:10.1093/humrep/dex234
- Boivin, J., Bunting, L., Collins, J. A., & Nygren, K. G. (2007). International estimates of infertility prevalence and treatment-seeking: potential need and demand for infertility medical care. Human Reproduction, 22(6), 1506–1512. doi:10.1093/humrep/dem046