Human beings are social creatures, and because of this, we need to always be in contact with others. Now, imagine how necessary this contact and support is during a situation like infertility? Support and encouragement make all the difference for people who are going through this difficult journey. Below, we’ll list some possibilities for where you can find support to help you cope with infertility.
Your partner
Your partner is going through the same situation as you, and therefore, knows well what you might be feeling. Although infertility is a difficult and painful situation, this could be a time that brings you closer as a couple, since you are experiencing the same thing together.It is important that sexual relations are not seen only as another attempt to get pregnant. They should be a moment of pleasure and intimacy for the couple, and it is very healthy for a relationship to keep this connection in this sense.Another way of having your partner as a source of support is to set moments to talk about the difficulties you are facing. This way, you avoid talking about the same issue all day, every day. Choose a time of day to talk about everything that is necessary regarding the problem you are facing, and for the rest of the day, talk about each other’s routine, your plans for lunch or dinner, and other topics that might seem simple but that are important to maintain intimacy and shift the focus away from the problem.
Speaking of maintaining intimacy, it’s important to do activities just as a couple, like taking a trip, for example. This allows for more connection between you and creates moments where any problems you might be facing can be put aside.
Friends and family
Your friends and family can offer support and a shoulder to lean on during this time. It’s important to surround yourself with people who will really understand what you are going through and who are there to listen and support you.However, the truth is, not everyone understands the complexity of going through something like infertility, and sometimes they end up saying things that minimize the pain of those going through it. Therefore, it’s important to make it clear what you do not want to hear and what hurts you. Even though some people just want to say something to help you suffer less, the result can be the opposite—making your pain and guilt even greater.
Support groups
Support groups are important to keep alive that strong sense of belonging, and to know that you are not alone. You can check in your city if there is a group focused on this or, if that’s your situation, you can even seek out online support groups and networks.These groups allow for sharing experiences as well as venting, which helps relieve some of the weight of going through infertility.
Writing, drawing, painting, learning a musical instrument…
Maybe these were activities you used to enjoy and stopped doing because of what you’re going through. Or maybe you have never tried any of these and would like to give them a shot. Whatever the case, choosing an activity that will stimulate your creative side and let you try new things is a great idea!
Meditation, yoga, acupuncture
Stress and anxiety are common feelings for people who are trying to get pregnant. So, some options are more than welcome to help ease these feelings, which negatively impact fertility.Finding ways to relieve anxiety gives you a chance to increase your chances of conceiving. Meditation, for example, provides stress reduction and helps with hormone regulation in the body.Whatever type of activity you choose, pick something that makes you feel good and isn’t just something done out of obligation. That way, it becomes a pleasurable and relaxing thing for you.
Psychotherapy
This is a golden tip! Psychotherapy is an option that will give you, besides a place to vent and find support, a path to self-knowledge. The psychologist, during sessions, will work on subjects you bring up, offering ways for you to better handle the feelings that come up along the way.You may choose individual or couples’ therapy, and regardless of your choice, seeking professional help is an important step in the process of facing infertility.No matter which sources of support you choose, the most important thing is being well supported according to your needs, so the path of infertility can be faced more lightly.Important Tip: Many couples don’t know this, but a lack of certain vitamins in the body can make everything confusing. Vitamins such as D, E, iron, and also Methylfolate (the active form of folic acid) make a big difference in the body. That’s why it’s recommended that couples take multivitamins to improve their health and boost their chances of conceiving. Learn about multivitamins for couples here.Check also: Lack of Sexual Appetite – What Now for Those Trying to Conceive?
