How to get the support you need

Illustration showing all feelings

Support comes in many forms

Although the outcome of fertility treatment may be wonderful, dealing with the process itself can be emotional and stressful. Irrespective of the outcome, there is no doubt that the journey will make you (or you as a couple) stronger.

The main thing to remember is that all feelings are normal and justified, so allow yourself to feel them all.

Emotions you may encounter through your journey1,2

Learning about infertility

  • Disbelief
  • Confusion
  • Frustration
  • Shock
  • Embarrassment
  • Sadness
  • Grief
  • Loss
  • Shame

IVF success (minimal cycles)

  • Happiness
  • Excitement
  • Anxiousness
  • Overwhelmed

During treatment

  • Hope
  • Understanding 
  • Frustration
  • Embarrassment
  • Confusion
  • Shame

Re-evaluating plans if/when unsuccessful (multiple rounds of treatment)

  • Disappointment
  • Reflectiveness
  • Hopelessness
  • Defeated
For the partner

Learning that your partner is infertile is hard on you too.

More support
Whatever you are feeling is normal brochure cover
Free download

Our brochure provides tips and support at different stages of the IVF journey.

Download
Illustration of speech bubbles

What are some proactive steps you can take to support your fertility journey?

Learn more
Copy Link
  1. Edwards T (host). The emotional impact of infertility and how to heal[ audio podcast episode ]. July 2020. In: Time to talk fertility. Fertility Centers of Illinois. Available at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-emotional-impact-of-infertility-and-how-toheal/id1509590457?i=1000486531663. Accessed January 2024.
  2. Centre of Perinatal Excellence. When becoming pregnant isn’t easy. Available at: https://www.cope.org.au/planning-a-family/happening. Accessed January 2024.
  3. Simionescu G, et al. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21(4): 306.
  4. Uhler M (host). 20 fertility myths: true or false[ audio podcast episode ]. September 2020. Doctor Podcasting. Available at: https://radiomd.com/audio-player/fcionlineg/item/42997-20-fertility-myths-true-or-false. Accessed October 2022.
  5. Harrison C, et al. Hum Reprod 2022; 37(3): 488–98.
  6. Newman JE, et al. Assisted reproductive technology in Australia and New Zealand 2020. Sydney: National Perinatal Epidemiology and Statistics Unit, UNSW Sydney. Available at: https://npesu.unsw.edu.au/surveillance/assisted-reproductive-technology-australia-and-new-zealand-2020. Accessed July 2023.
  7. Rodgers A (host). How to boost your fertility naturally[ audio podcast episode ]. June 2020. Doctor Podcasting. Available at: https://radiomd.com/audio-player/fcionlineg/item/41891-how-to-boost-your-fertility-naturally. Accessed October 2022.
  8. Your Fertility. Thinking about having a baby? Available at: https://www.yourfertility.org.au/sites/default/files/2019-03/Thinking_about_having_a_baby_resource.pdf. Accessed October 2022.
  9. Healthline. How does sperm morphology affect fertility? Reviewed August 2017. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/sperm-morphology. Accessed October 2022.
  10. The Fertility Society of Australia, Pre-Conception Health Special Interest Group. The effects of environmental chemicals on fertility and fecundity. April 2021. Available at: https://www.yourfertility.org.au/sites/default/files/2021-04/FSA%20The%20effects%20of%20environmental%20chemicals%20on%20fertility%20and%20fecundity%20April%202021.pdf. Accessed March 2023.
  11. Quit. Smoking and fertility. Available at: https://www.quit. org.au/articles/smoking-and-fertility. Accessed October 2022.
  12. Zhang LJ, et al. BC Med J 2020; 62(9): 323–27.
  13. Ricci E, et al. Reprod Biomed Online 2017; 34(1): 38–47.
  14. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and pregnancy. Reviewed June 2020. Available at: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/tobacco-alcohol-drugs-and-pregnancy. Accessed November 2021.