Infertility is a common problem, affecting one in six couples worldwide. Despite its prevalence, it’s not something that many people feel comfortable talking about. However, there are a number of ways you can support your friends and loved ones dealing with infertility.
Being an extremely difficult experience for couples and their families, it can be a time of emotional turmoil, deep sadness, and frustration. The journey to parenthood can be full of unexpected turns and can be a very isolating experience. However, it is important to remember that couples do not have to go through this process alone. Family and friends can be a great source of emotional, physical, and practical support. Through understanding, respect, and empathy, they can help to make the journey a little easier. With the help of the best infertility hospital, people can solve this issue. So, if you know someone who is struggling with infertility, here are a few ways to support them.
What is infertility?
The inability to become pregnant after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. While this is how it is typically defined, it can be extremely hard to pinpoint a specific cause. When a couple is diagnosed with infertility, there is a problem with either the sperm or the egg or both. It can also be due to the female partner’s inability to create a healthy environment for the fertilized egg to grow. While infertility is usually seen as a woman’s issue, it is important to understand that it can affect anyone in a relationship. It is important to remember that infertility is not the same as sterility. Sterility refers to a person who is unable to have children at all. It is possible for someone who experiences infertility to have children through assisted reproduction (ART).
How family and friends can provide emotional support
– Be understanding and patient
A diagnosis of infertility can be a very confusing and emotional experience. It is important to go at the couple’s pace and support them in any way you can. A couple experiencing infertility may feel they have to explain their situation to friends or family members. Depending on their situation, they may not want to talk about it all. You don’t have to be an expert, but it is important to let them know you are there if they want to talk.
– Be open to talking and listening
Let your loved one know that you are open to any questions they may have. It can be helpful to talk to someone who has also been through a similar situation. You can offer to help them navigate the steps of infertility treatments or IVF if they wish to try. If they do not, it is important to respect their decision.
– Be supportive of any choices they make
Remember, infertility is a very individualized experience. There is no one path or one right way to deal with it. Be supportive of any choices the couple makes, whether it be to try medical interventions or not.
– Be open to creative ideas for support
It can be helpful for the couple to have dedicated time each week when they can focus on their journey and have time to process what they are experiencing.
– Take on an errand or chore
This can be a great way to help without having to say a word. If a couple you know is going through infertility, they may find themselves feeling very tired. There are lots of little things that can be done to lighten the load and give them a break.
Practical ways to support someone with infertility
– Provide a safe and open space for sharing.
– Let the couple know you are there for them, no matter what. Allow them to open up about their feelings, fears and worries.
– Be open to any discussion.
– There may be some things the couple would like to discuss with you. There may also be topics they’d rather not discuss. Know that whatever comes up, is meant with love and comes from a place of openness and honesty.
– Be open to helping with any errands or household tasks they may find challenging
– There are lots of things you can do to lighten their load. Make them know you are there to help in any way you can.
Conclusion
It is important to remember that infertility can be a very isolating experience. It can be helpful to let them know that you have been through a similar experience, to open the conversation. Be open to helping with any tasks they may find challenging. Be open to talking and listening. Having a high IVF success rate in Kerala, couples can find the strength to continue their journey to parenthood, no matter what path it may take.
For more information and insight about dealing with infertility, check out the best infertility hospital near you that offer advice, including how infertility may affect you as a family member.
