Infertility Awareness Week

Infertility is more common than many people realize, the World Health Organization estimates that roughly 1 in 6 people worldwide struggle with infertility, affecting millions of couples trying to build their families. This week, April 21-27, is National Infertility Awareness Week - an important time to increase understanding and spread awareness of this difficult reproductive issue. Discover more about infertility and how you can get involved this Infertility Awareness Week.

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of trying to get pregnant for women under 35, and six months for women 35 and older. For couples affected by infertility, the journey toward parenthood can be emotionally, physically, and financially draining.

The Struggle of Infertility
Dealing with infertility can take a huge toll mentally and psychologically. The disappointment of negative pregnancy tests month after month can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, depression, and isolation. Couples may feel pressure from friends and family inquiring about their plans for children. Marriages can become strained by the stress of fertility treatments and setbacks. During this difficult time, remember to give yourself grace - check in on yourself and partner.

• Give Yourself A Mental Health Check-Up
• Practice Self-Care
• Open Up - Express Your Thoughts and Emotions 
• Focus On The Present 

Treatment Options
For some couples, relatively simple fertility treatments like medication or intrauterine insemination may be effective. Others may need to pursue more advanced options like in vitro fertilization (IVF). These treatments can be extremely expensive, are not always covered by insurance, and still don't guarantee success.

Taking Action
During Infertility Awareness Week, we can educate ourselves and others about this common struggle. To learn more and discover what you can do, check out trusted resources like RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association or ASRM: American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Most importantly, we can build more understanding and compassion for those facing infertility. A kind word or gesture can make a huge difference for couples enduring this tremendous physical and emotional burden.

For anyone experiencing infertility, you are not alone. Hang in there and be kind to yourself during this challenging journey. 💛