Infertility Groups

Infertility diagnosis will often still come as a shock to couples who have been trying to conceive for months. The fact that you and your partner have been diagnosed with infertility will undoubtedly be difficult to deal with during the first few months thereafter.

However, the availability of Infertility Support Groups will help you and your partner understand thoroughly infertility, its causes and nature, the available treatments and therapies, provide information on laws and regulations surrounding the treatments, and medical insurance coverage and medical experts. These support groups will also help you emotionally to come into terms with the condition.

Learning about Support Groups

Support groups are composed of men and women who share similar issues, conditions and/or problems. These groups are formed to provide a venue for grievances, concerns, emotions, apprehensions and information regarding resources, treatments and innovations. They usually consist of more than three people that provide mutual assistance to a number of people. There are support groups for people suffering from depression, alcohol and substance abuse, shopping or spending abuse, various addictions, eating disorders and yes, infertility.

Infertility Support Groups

Initially, it may be difficult for you and your partner to decide on joining an infertility support group. The most common reaction after the diagnosis is to be in denial or to retreat to privacy and joining an infertility group is rarely the first thing that will come into mind. This is perfectly normal and is nothing to be ashamed about. But you might also want to note the advantages of joining an infertility support group:

  • Emotional Support: To know that a number of other couples are experiencing the same condition. Joining an infertility group allows you to interact with people who have experienced the same or similar situations and incidents as you and your partner may have.
  • Networking: A chance to learn more about the different treatments and therapies available and to expand your sources on the numerous medical experts who would be able to help you.
  • Information Haven: Support groups are most likely and most often are updated in the different medical advances that help in conception. They offer variety of information regarding from medical help and technologies available, the different laws and regulations that support the treatment, medical insurance coverage and the numerous How To’s in the area.
  • Resource Library: If you want to learn more about infertility and your different options, these support groups have books, pamphlets and even articles with which you can either borrow or buy. Read up on your concerns and your support group would also be available for discussions.

Finding an Infertility Group

Finding an infertility group that is right for you and/or your partner may take a bit of time to come across. However, there are numerous groups available; ranging from groups run by the Church, charities, private organizations, large organizations, trained social workers and are even available online.

Speak to your fertility specialist or medical adviser regarding your desire to join an infertility support group. He may be able to provide you with a listing of the different groups available. National Fertility Organizations, your local health care provider and even medical insurance companies may be able to refer you to an infertility support group that you would like to join.

Whether it will be days, weeks or months, the infertility groups do not put exclusivities and time frames to your stay. You can join the group as long as you feel right in doing so and you can leave when you feel that you already want to move forward. If you feel like giving your time and ear to people who experience the same experiences as you do, it would be greatly appreciated as well.

Apart from the information, resources and network that you will be gaining in joining an infertility group, it will be most likely that you gain hope and understanding in what you’re going through and the most unlikely friendships may be forged.

The next time you’re feeling alone in your fertility journey, and having difficulty in forming decisions regarding fertility treatment, therapies and other options, try considering an infertility group. There is bound to be one in your local area.