5 Helpful Reminders for Coping with Fertility Challenges

The month of March is recognized for many things including Pregnancy After Loss Awareness and Endometriosis Awareness. I’m happy we have these awareness months that help to educate and increase awareness of so many things. In this post, I’m sharing a few helpful reminders for coping with fertility challenges which can often occur with endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue that normally lines the uterus, grows outside of the uterus instead and is known to affect 1 in 10 women. The most common symptoms are irregular menstrual cycles, pain and fertility problems.

5 Helpful Reminders for Coping with Fertility Challenges

1. Conception is not a skill
Women often feel like they are failing because they have difficulty conceiving. Conception is not a skill or something you either know how to do well or not. This can be a helpful reminder when you’re being especially hard on yourself for not being successful in your fertility journey. You’re not failing. Endometriosis is a medical condition for which there is ongoing research and no known cause. It is not your fault.

2. Stories are powerful 
What stories are you telling yourself about your struggles? About your body? The stories we tell ourselves are powerful. The relationship you have with yourself is the most important relationship you will ever have so try to make it a healthy one.

Nurture a relationship with yourself that’s filled with positive self talk, compassion, empathy, understanding, love and kindness. Take note of the way you talk to yourself and about yourself. Is there room for more kindness and compassion? You have the power to change that. You have the power to change the narrative.

3. You are worthy just as you are 
Your worth doesn’t depend on the number of children you have. You are worthy on your own, just as you are. Your fertility journey does not define you. You have inherent strengths and qualities that make you unique and awesome. You deserve joy and peace and can achieve those things no matter the outcome of your journey to parenthood.

4. Infertility is just one part of your life
It’s easy for infertility to consume your thoughts and feel like the biggest thing in your life. Remember that it is just one part of your life, not your whole life. Infertility is not experienced in a vacuum. Other aspects of your life require your energy, focus and attention. Other life events are occurring on a daily basis and while they may bring additional stress, they also have the potential to bring you joy. Nurture other aspects of your life as well. 

5. You deserve support
Many people think of counseling as something you only do if you have a mental illness, but really it’s for anyone and everyone. Think of counseling as a resource to support you as you go through the emotional roller coaster of dealing with fertility challenges. You’ll learn coping skills that can help you as you face this as well other unexpected life events that undoubtedly will happen.

You don’t have to struggle alone or in silence. Feel free to contact me to learn how counseling can help you.