{"id":20475,"date":"2025-12-15T15:32:03","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T15:32:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/progyny.com\/?p=20475"},"modified":"2026-03-09T18:39:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T18:39:21","slug":"commonly-asked-questions-about-infertility-and-relationships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/progyny.com\/education\/commonly-asked-questions-about-infertility-and-relationships\/","title":{"rendered":"Caring for your relationships and yourself during fertility treatment\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Updated by the Progyny Editorial Team \u2014 December 2025.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Facing challenges on your family-building journey can put strain on any relationship. The financial, emotional, and physical aspects of fertility treatment can affect how you connect with your partner, family, and friends.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We spoke with Dr. Alice Domar, a health psychologist who specializes in fertility care. <\/span>Dr. Domar answered some of the most frequently asked questions about relationships, boundaries, and strategies to check in on yourself and your partner. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. How can I set boundaries and build supportive communication with family and friends?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Setting boundaries is personal. Some people talk openly about every step of treatment. Others prefer to keep details private. Think about what you\u2019re comfortable sharing and what you\u2019d like to keep to yourself.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can help to prepare simple, repeatable responses to questions or comments that feel uncomfortable. Your response can be polite (\u201cI\u2019m not comfortable discussing this\u201d), educational (\u201cInfertility is common, and causes can come from either partner\u201d), or direct (\u201cI\u2019m not sure why you\u2019re asking that\u201d).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Family and friends may offer support, especially if they\u2019ve had similar experiences, but they may also give unsolicited advice. Some people email loved ones to set expectations. For example: \u201cWhen we have news to share, we\u2019ll reach out. Please avoid asking if we\u2019re pregnant.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. How can I support my partner?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ask what they need. Often both partners are affected, even if only one has a medical diagnosis. One strategy: Each partner writes a list of 10 things the other can do on a difficult day. When the moment comes, you can choose something from the list \u2014 whether it\u2019s giving space, offering comfort, or helping with small tasks.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. How can I check in with myself?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s normal to have ups and downs throughout treatment. If you feel persistently sad, overwhelmed, or unlike yourself for more than a week or two, you may benefit from additional support. Options include support groups, talking with someone who has been through infertility, checking resources through the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, or asking your healthcare provider for guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. What helps couples maintain their relationship during treatment?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Talking regularly can help you stay connected. Many couples experience infertility differently, so avoid pressuring each other to feel the same way. Try setting aside a few minutes each day to check in. Outside of that time, it may help to keep fertility conversations from taking over the rest of your life together.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. What if I\u2019m experiencing secondary infertility and feel uncomfortable joining support groups?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Primary infertility is when a person has never been pregnant. Secondary infertility is when a person has had at least one prior pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secondary infertility can be just as distressing as primary infertility. Look for a group specifically for people with secondary infertility or choose one that includes more than one participant with similar experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. What if I\u2019m scared to tell someone what I\u2019m going through?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sharing information about your diagnosis is your choice. No one is entitled to details you don\u2019t want to share. Telling a manager or supervisor may feel especially stressful. Infertility is recognized as a disease by the World Health Organization, so you can frame the conversation around seeking support or treatment for a medical condition.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. How can I put these suggestions into practice?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You might try:<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n