How to Talk to Couples with Infertility

Finding the right words isn’t easy. If you know someone struggling with infertility, you are probably trying to say the right thing but without fully understanding what the person is going through. If you are experiencing fertility issues, you are likely to hear many words that you wish were not shared with you and you secretly dream of friends and family saying the right thing to help you on difficult days. This article offers suggestions of things to say that are likely to help. Share it with your close ones for educational purposes.

What to say to couples struggling with infertility:

“I’m here for you if you want to talk about it.”

Offering support without prying and waiting for the couple to open up is often the best approach to help people on a fertility journey. The future parents need to be in a mindset where they want to talk about it and not be forced into the conversation. For some people, their choice will be to keep it private forever and it’s okay too if as a parent or a friend you learn after the fact.

“Don’t give up, your time will come.”

Giving up is the main risk on a long fertility journey. The energy required physically and mentally is gigantic, especially during IVF cycles and being reminded that everything is possible is actually helpful, even if the advice is common.

“I know someone who succeeded on a similar path.”

This one is tricky as not all journeys are the same but sharing a positive story of someone who struggled to a similar level or experienced a similar path then succeeded can be uplifting if done carefully.

“I understand how difficult it must be.”

Acknowledging the struggle the couple is going through is often the best type of support you can offer as it often goes unnoticed and sometimes even underplayed by close ones. Only people having experienced a complex fertility journey will know how taxing the process can be. Recognizing someone’s difficulties and challenges feels good and comforting.

“You’re strong and I admire your determination.”

Many people will stop the fertility protocols and will choose to not continue after having done it for a little while. If you know someone who’s not giving up and still working hard on their family project despite many obstacles or years spent on it, telling them words of encouragement and recognizing their courage will go a long way and help them find the strength to continue.

In conclusion

Bringing the topic up can be difficult but with the right open mind and approach, you can offer a support often much needed to couples on a lonely fertility journey.

For couples on this journey, don’t hesitate to coach your close ones on how you would like them to communicate with you. It will increase the emotional support you will receive and help you carry on.

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