Emotional impact of infertility

Learn about the emotional impact of infertility and how to cope with the grief, anger, and uncertainty it often brings.

Learn more about:

• Common reactions
• Coping strategies

Common reactions

How people respond to infertility varies. Common reactions include shock, grief, anger or depression from the disruption of life plans, uncertainty about the future, loss of control over life direction, and worry about the potential effects of early menopause (such as reduced bone density).

The physical and emotional process of infertility treatment, and not knowing if it will work, can be exhausting. People who didn’t get a chance to think about their fertility until treatment was over say that the emotions can be especially strong.

While these feelings are a natural reaction to loss of fertility, see below for ways to manage these feelings before they overwhelm you. It may also help to consider other ways of becoming a parent, or you may decide to stop trying to have a child.

Learn more about the impact on your relationship with a partner and your sexuality.

Learn more about emotions and cancer.

I am glad my doctor helped me work through the emotions of what was my top priority. I finally felt that overcoming cancer and getting on with my life were most important and everything else came after that.

Duncan

Coping strategies

Learning that cancer treatment has affected your ability to have children can be challenging. There is no right or wrong way of coping. The strategies described here may help you feel a greater sense of control and confidence.

	Gather information The impact of cancer on your fertility may change your plans or make them unpredictable. Knowing your options for building a family may help you deal with feelings of uncertainty.
	Get support from others Talking to people who have been in a similar situation or to family and friends can reduce feelings of isolation and help you cope. Consider joining a support group for people with cancer or fertility-related issues.
	Consider professional counselling You can talk to a counsellor about the impact of infertility. Most fertility units have a fertility counsellor or you can contact the Australian and New Zealand Infertility Counsellors Association.
	Get creative If you don’t want to talk about how you are feeling, you could keep a journal or blog, or you could make music, draw, paint or craft. You can share your writing or artworks with those close to you or keep them private.
	Try relaxation and meditation exercises Both of these techniques can help reduce stress and anxiety. Exercise such as walking can also help with mood changes and energy levels.

→ READ MORE: Relationships and sexuality

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