The Mayo Clinic Diet Book, learn more

Free

E-newsletter

Subscribe to Housecall

Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

Sign up now

Coping and support

By Mayo Clinic staff

Dealing with female infertility can be physically and emotionally exhausting. To cope with the ups and downs of infertility testing and treatment, consider these options:

  • Be prepared. The uncertainty of infertility testing and treatments can be difficult and stressful. Ask your doctor to explain the steps he or she is planning to take so that you can prepare yourself for each one. Understanding the process and what your next steps will be may reduce your anxiety somewhat.
  • Seek support. Although infertility can be a deeply personal issue, reach out to your partner, close family members or friends for support. Many online support groups allow you to maintain your anonymity while you discuss issues related to infertility. Don't hesitate to seek professional help if the emotional burden gets too heavy for you or your partner.
  • Exercise and eat a healthy diet. Keeping up your moderate exercise routine and a healthy diet can improve your outlook and keep you focused on living your life despite fertility problems.
  • Consider other options. Determine alternatives — adoption, donor sperm or egg, or even having no children — as early as possible in the infertility treatment process. This can reduce anxiety during treatments and disappointment if conception doesn't occur.
Prevention Treatments and drugs
References
  1. Kumar A, et al. Infertility. In: DeCherney AH, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment Obstetrics & Gynecology. 10th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2007. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=2392676. Accessed Nov. 24, 2009.
  2. Halvorson LM. Evaluation of the infertile couple. In: Schorge JO, et al. Williams Gynecology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3157679. Accessed Nov. 24, 2009.
  3. Doody KJ. Treatment of the infertile couple. In: Schorge JO, et al. Williams Gynecology. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=3158038. Accessed Dec. 1, 2009.
  4. Wright KP, et al. Infertility. In: Gibbs RS, et al. Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008:705.
  5. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Management of infertility caused by ovulatory dysfunction. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2002;99:347.
  6. Kuohung W, et al. Etiology of female infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
  7. Kuohung W, et al. Evaluation of female infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
  8. Kuohung W, et al. Overview of treatment of female infertility. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
  9. Jose-Miller AB, et al. Infertility. American Family Physician. 2007;75:849.
  10. Devroey P, et al. Approaches to improve the diagnosis and management of infertility. Human Reproduction Update. 2009;15:391.
  11. Coddington CC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. December 14, 2009.
DS01053 Sept. 9, 2011

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

  • Reprints
  • Print

  • Share on:

  • Email

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger