If you and your partner or spouse are trying to start a family and running into some fertility troubles, you aren’t alone. Thousands of couples experience difficulty getting pregnant each year. Fortunately, science is quite advanced and can help those having problems.
However, going through fertility treatments can be stressful on your partner and yourself, causing strain in your relationship. It takes some work to keep your relationship strong and be supportive of your partner.
If you’re in this situation and want to find a way to be helpful and supportive of your partner during this difficult time, we’ve listed some tips below.
Attend Doctor Appointments
A great way to be supportive of your partner during this time is to attend her doctor appointments with her. It’s always a good idea to have a second set of eyes and ears for opinions and questions. You’ll also know what exactly is going on and what must be done.
Sometimes she may need to go for surgery, such as a tuboplasty, to increase her chances of conceiving. Having you there by her side during these appointments can make her feel more at ease.
Help with Everyday Tasks
If there are some days your partner is feeling under the weather or exhausted from fertility treatments, try to help with more everyday tasks such as cleaning the house, doing the dishes, or running some errands.
This little bit of help can reduce a ton of stress on your partner. She can focus on regaining her energy instead of mustering up some to complete the things on her to-do list.
Understand Your Individual Coping Mechanisms
This may be a little more difficult, but try to understand each other’s coping mechanisms. Some people like to be left alone when they’re feeling sad. Others mask their grief and frustration with anger.
Be aware of how you both cope with the stress and pain of going through fertility treatments. It will make for a better, less stressful experience.
Keep the Intimacy
Trying to conceive can feel like work sometimes. When you have to schedule and plan out when you must be intimate with your partner, it takes the spark out of the act.
Try to keep it spicy and still fun by adding some romantic touches such as candles and maybe a nice dinner beforehand. It’s important to keep this intimacy alive and have fun while trying to start a family.
Find Someone to Confide In
The first person you want to talk to about your experience with fertility treatments is your spouse, but sometimes they aren’t the best person to confide in. Whether it’s a close family member, friend, or even a therapist, having someone on the outside to talk about all of this can be helpful for both you and your partner.
It’s important to talk about your feelings and frustrations, so you don’t hold it in and have it seep out while interacting with your partner.
