Around 12% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 experience issues getting and staying pregnant. If you’re one of these women, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are many productive methods of handling the emotional toll of infertility. If you’re looking for ways to cope, take advantage of the following tips before meeting with an OB-GYN.

3 Ways to Cope With the Emotional Stress of Infertility

1. Confide in Others

If you have a spouse or partner tackling this journey with you, keep in mind that they might not be aware of your emotional or mental state. Tell them when you’re feeling defeated or panicked and when you could use a silent hug.

If you’re a single prospective parent, talk to a friend or reach out to a counselor. They might be able to point you to a support group, where you can discuss your experience with those who are also dealing with infertility. 

2. Write It Out

Whether you’ve just learned of the news or are juggling potential solutions, it’s normal to feel like thoughts are swarming around in your head. Give your mind a break by writing any feelings down on paper.

Pull out a journal or notepad, or even use a smartphone app if you’re on the go. Whatever fears or frustrations you’re brooding over, give yourself some mental breathing room by jotting them down. In a day or two, come back to the entry with a fresh perspective; you might discover a brighter outlook.

3. Learn About the Options

Invest some of the mental and emotional energy into finding a potential solution. Talk to an OB-GYN about other options, such as IVF treatment or surrogacy.

In some cases, infertility might direct you to the rewarding path of adoption. There are many ways to build a family, and this condition won’t stop you from enjoying a bright future.

If you’re looking for a compassionate OB-GYN to aid in your goal of parenthood, reach out to Advanced OB-GYN Services. Dr. Joseph Hazan has over three decades of experience helping patients feel supported and heard. With locations in St. Peters and Bridgeton, MO, he’s on-call 24/7 to address any concerns. To learn more about his fertility services, visit the website. Call (636) 928-1800 to reach the St. Peters, MO, office, or contact (314) 291-2140 to make an appointment in Bridgeton.