Infertility can be a lonely experience, creating physical, financial and emotional challenges for you and your partner. Infertility can be one of the most distressing life crises that a couple faces. For some, their distress is great enough to be the reason they stop fertility treatment.

Many infertile couples hide how badly they feel from their physicians for fear they will be told they cannot continue the treatment. They may also have difficulty sharing their experience with friends and family leading to a sense of isolation.

If you are coping with infertility, your self-image may be negatively affected. You might feel….

guilty          depressed         pessimistic
anxious        ashamed            lonely
sad                 isolated              angry

You might experience ….

• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Strained relationships with your partner, family and friends
• Difficulty thinking about anything other than your infertility

Depression and anxiety are more common among women coping with infertility than in those that are not.