When It Might Be Time To Think About Infertility Counseling

By Edward Mitchell


Some people's plans for a family fall into place without any trouble. Other couples struggle for years to conceive without any success. The older the woman partner gets, the harder and more dangerous the struggle becomes. This can be an issue that overwhelms some relationships to the point that professional assistance becomes necessary. Infertility counseling can make a huge difference for a couple.

The more they try to conceive, without success, the more panicked some couples become. It is not unusual for one partner to be more obsessive about the situation than the other. As time goes on, the issues can start to overwhelm one or both partners. In this case, experts agree that talking to a professional may be the best answer. This is someone who can suggest coping skills and other strategies to help couples live full lives.

Women may want to talk obsessively about the situation and how they feel about it. Men on the other hand tend to internalize and focus on the best ways how to fix things. It's easy for couples to get frustrated and angry with one another. A counselor will listen to both sides, and suggest better ways to communicate effectively.

At some point, couples may come to a crossroad, and have trouble deciding how to go forward. Partners often disagree. Beginning IVF treatments is a big decision, and whether or not to continue them in the face of failure is an even greater one. The cost is only one factor. There is also the overwhelming stress and the toll it takes on a woman's body. Talking to a third party about the options is often a good way to get a realistic analysis of the situation.

There are a number of options beyond IVF and natural pregnancy. Most couples have discussed them at one time, but many don't really pursue these avenues. Talking to a counselor can help open a real discussion about the possibilities of adoption and surrogacy. If a couple wants to actively pursue one of these options, the agency involved may require that they have a certain amount of counseling before proceeding.

If none of these options work out, couples will have to face the idea that raising children may not be in their future. This can be very difficult after years of assuming parenthood would eventually happen. It may require changing mindsets and setting new goals with the help of a professional.

There are times when couples in this situation just need the friendly ear of an outsider to listen. Close friends and family members can find it difficult to be impartial and unbiased. They may give their opinions too freely. A counselor will give no personal opinion. Couples are free to discuss the intimate details of their lives without fear. Confidentiality is guaranteed in a counseling session.

Couples who conceive easily have no idea what couples with fertility issues go through. There is no way even the most compassionate can appreciate the difficulty. Turning to a professional may be the best option to help these couples go forward.




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