How to Help a Friend Who is Struggling With Infertility

What is a person to do when their friend or family member is struggling with something that they have no experience with? It can be tough to know what to say and do. Infertility is no different. It is such a sensitive topic for many, sometimes as a friend, you can feel like you are walking on eggshells.

The following are a few good tips from our Utah Infertility Specialists that you can be supportive to a friend who is struggling with infertility.

Ask your friend whether or not they want to talk about infertility. Some people that are struggling with infertility don’t want to talk about it at all, others are more than willing to let you in. It can be a good way for them to be able to vent, but they rarely will feel comfortable bringing it up. Ask your friend if they are comfortable talking about it, and let them know they can talk to you at any time.

Be supportive. Do not talk negatively about different treatments your friend is trying. Infertility treatments are personal decisions between a couple. Unless asked, do not give your opinion about what they should or shouldn’t do.

Don’t say hurtful comments. There are so many hurtful things you could say without even knowing. Please don’t say any of these things:

Stop trying and it will happen
You should just relax
Just adopt
You don’t look infertile
Don’t worry, you still have time
Maybe God doesn’t want this for you

Become educated. One of the most supportive things you can do is to become educated on what your friend is going through. Read articles about infertility and experiences that people have gone through. This will help you be able to talk more freely with your friend and be able to empathize more.

Common Myths About Infertility

MYTH: Infertility is rare, and male infertility is even more rare Infertility is quite common; one in six couples will experience it. It is such a sensitive topic though, that many people do not talk about it, which is probably why you feel like you might be the only one. Also, almost half of couples that deal with infertility are due to the males infertility. MYTH: You should try to conceive for a year before

Clinical Trials

We have been asked recently why our center does not participate in clinical trials. The answer is because most clinical trials are designed to help the company backing the trial and not for the best interest of the patient. For example, a clinical trial that compares the effectiveness of two IVF medications provides answers to the pharmaceutical company, but may not offer the right medication for the patient. In a trial such as this, the

Environmental Toxins and Fertility

Phthalates, BPA, and common chemicals found in plastic bottles and plastics that you microwave food in can cause infertility, implantation failure and miscarriage. Toxins can be released from these products when exposed to high heat and other conditions. BPA’s can alter thyroid signaling, mimic estrogens, and is an antiandrogen. These are endocrine disrupting chemicals and should be reduced or mostly eliminated when working on conception. In men there is a greater risk of sexual dysfunction,