How to Make Talking About Fertility Care (a Little) Easier
Infertility issues and fertility care can be sensitive topics, with emotional highs and lows, anxieties and insecurities, and much uncertainty along the way. So it’s important for intended parents, surrogates, and their friends and families to approach the subject with care. This doesn’t mean sidestepping the topic, as ongoing open communication is crucial for all parties involved.
By raising awareness and maintaining respect, we can make conversations about fertility care a little easier. Below are a few tips to keep in mind when discussing fertility.
Be informed about infertility.
Infertility is a common issue, which the CDC estimates affects one in eight couples in the U.S. By
learning about and dispelling the more widespread misconceptions and myths surrounding
infertility and fertility care, you can greatly improve the way you speak with intended parents in
the process of third-party reproduction.
For example, it’s still widely believed that infertility is solely a female issue, or that it takes longer to conceive when coming off the birth control pill. There are also many myths surrounding male infertility, like the idea that age doesn’t affect men’s fertility, or that caffeine and tobacco don’t affect their sperm.
There are many resources available online and off to keep you informed about fertility, and various support groups offer opportunities to discuss concerns and ask questions.
Be respectful of intended parents.
Fertility can be a sensitive issue for intended parents, so it’s essential to handle it with care. Even couples dealing with infertility themselves should remember to discuss it with respect. Whether talking about infertility or considering surrogacy, intended parents can strengthen these communications by expressing their own feelings rather than blaming their partners, and by setting aside time for these conversations and taking mental breaks from infertility talks at other times.
Friends and families of intended parents may have lots of questions about fertility care, but they should respect the couple’s right to privacy and avoid giving unsolicited advice. Those close to intended parents can create a solid support network by becoming informed, being available to listen to their concerns, and being respectful of issues that may be especially sensitive.
Reach out to Aspire.
At Aspire, we strive to improve the conversation surrounding fertility care by addressing common anxieties, dispelling widespread myths, and being available to listen to all your concerns.
If you’d like to speak to our counselors or ask any questions about fertility care, schedule an appointment at the Aspire Fertility clinic closest to you.
