Understanding Infertility, Treatment Options, and Ways to Cope -

Infertility awareness is very important as it’s much more common than most people realize. For many individuals and couples, this realization can bring a mix of confusion, frustration, and emotional strain. Learning more about what it is, how to cope, and treatment options can make this infertility journey a little easier to process.

National Infertility Awareness Week

From April 19th to 25th, National Infertility Awareness Week (NAW) aims to educate the public, support individuals, and advocate for access to health care. The theme for 2026 is “More Than,” representing an individual’s growth and resilience beyond their diagnosis. This year’s theme highlights how infertility can affect individuals of all races, genders, sexual orientations, and backgrounds, breaking down stigmas and empowering others to share their story.

What is Infertility?

Infertility is typically defined as the inability to conceive a child after one year of unprotected intercourse. There is a wide range of factors that can contribute to infertility, including age, genetics, hormonal imbalances, ovulation disorders, past infections such as STIs, and other underlying health conditions. In some cases, no clear cause is identified. Up to 30% of couples experiencing infertility receive a diagnosis of unexplained infertility, which can be especially difficult to process. Understanding these possibilities is often an important first step in navigating the journey ahead and exploring potential next steps.

Both men and women can be diagnosed with infertility, as challenges with conception can stem from factors affecting either partner. For instance, ovulation disorders are the most common causes of infertility diagnoses in women, such as premature ovarian failure, PCOS, or improper hormone production. There can also be issues with tubal damage or blockage, endometriosis, abnormalities in the uterus or cervix. For males, common causes can be found in sperm production disorders, which can mean poor movement, abnormal shape, or low sperm count. Furthermore, infections can cause structural issues, and medical treatments can impair sperm. Lifestyle factors can also play a role as well.

If you’re concerned that you may be experiencing signs of infertility, it’s important to speak with your doctor and consider consulting a fertility specialist. They can help evaluate your symptoms, identify any underlying factors, and discuss possible testing and treatment options to guide you toward the next steps.

How to cope with it

Infertility can be a very confusing and difficult battle, but you’re not alone. Support groups, online or in person, are a great place to have open conversations about infertility. They are a space to express how you feel and find comfort in others who are going through the same situation. Furthermore, you can gain education on infertility and different suggestions for coping. Learning about other people’s experiences can help you navigate your own journey, including hearing what worked or didn’t work for them. It may take time to come to terms with your diagnosis, but having a support group can make this journey easier.

It’s important to know that healing isn’t linear. It will take time to process your diagnosis. Finding the best support system that will help you navigate your journey is important. Whether that is through support groups, family members, or exploring next steps. Every process is unique.

Grief is a strong emotion most people experience when dealing with infertility. You may feel like you are losing a major part of your life, which can change how you envision having children. You may experience many emotions, like sadness or anger. Everything you are feeling is valid. The grieving process can look very different for each individual. Just know that it’s a natural part of the process, and it’s important to seek the help and support you need to navigate it.

Treatments

There are many treatment options available that can help address infertility, depending on the underlying cause. These may include medications to support ovulation, intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and other assisted reproductive technologies. A fertility specialist can help determine which approach may be most appropriate based on your individual situation. Because treatments can be expensive and often times aren’t completely covered by insurance, financial assistance can be found through several non-profits, such as the Baby Quest Foundation and Hope for Fertility Foundation, which can help offset treatment costs.

Next Steps

There is no single “right” next step. Deciding how to move forward is a deeply personal choice for each individual or couple. There are many factors to consider when deciding what to do after being diagnosed with infertility. Your journey is unique. Exploring all your options and finding the support can help you navigate this new journey.

Sometimes people choose to begin treatment right away. Others may decide to shift their path to parenthood and explore other options such as adoption. And for some, the journey may lead to rethinking what the future looks like, considering a life without children. All of those options are perfectly acceptable.