Infertility and mental health

Women Veterans

Infertility and mental health

Infertility is a unique type of stress. It’s an invisible loss that interferes with the often cherished goal of having a baby. Women experiencing infertility may feel a sense of failure and may become more socially isolated. Infertility may challenge important beliefs, like a belief in the ability to choose one’s own destiny. For couples, infertility can be a shared stress that can bring them closer together, cause tension or both. Infertility treatments can also be stressful and involve difficult decisions, such as how often to try the treatments and whether to use donor eggs or sperm.

Many people feel upset, depressed or anxious when dealing with infertility and its treatment. While these reactions are normal, they can be distressing and make it difficult to function. If you’re experiencing these reactions, consider speaking with your primary care provider or mental health clinician about counseling and other treatment options.

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