Fertility, unfortunately, isn’t something that a lot of young people openly talk about. But for some, it’s all-too familiar. but regardless of diagnosis, it can be hard to know, as a young person, that you may not be able to bear children. And fearing discussing your infertility with an intimate partner runs the risk of compounding these fears and potentially making the situation much more daunting for you. One of the many fears young people facing infertility have is that they will disappoint their partner. But changing the way we frame the infertility narrative might be able to help those fears.

Keep Your Mind on Facts

The facts of fertility are crucial. And they’re also often totally misunderstood, so be sure to clue your partner in to any information they may be confused about regarding infertility. If you have a condition that affects fertility, knowing your stats is crucial so that the conversation is neither fatalistic nor unrealistic.

The Conversation Has Two Sides

Even if you believe you’re the only partner with fertility concerns (and you might not be), remember that you’re still not alone. If you frame your discussion in terms of “we,” you will feel like a team. A tricky part of this equation is that it’s not all about them rejecting you; you, too, might get signals about the future of your relationship through this conversation. If a committed partner doesn’t respond well, that’s a red flag. This conversation is about finding balance with the other person. In this circumstance, the goal is often to just vet your partner to ensure that they might be willing to take the infertility journey together if you encounter difficulties.

Protect Yourself from Secrets

Hiding that you’re infertile can cause extra problems in your relationship. Not telling the truth about your body and your feelings might drag you and your partner down.

Couples ultimately overcome the challenges of infertility better as a team than as individuals.” Being truthful, open, and honest with the person you love can help protect you from these feelings. So why not ask for the help and support you may need.

Reinforce the Good Things of a Relationship

Particularly since this conversation can open you and your partner up to intense feelings of vulnerability, it’s important that you let your partner know how loved they are and how supported you feel. Whether or not the ability to conceive was a major issue for you and your partner, it’s still crucial at moments like these to remember what makes your relationship so good so you can continue to approach your relationship as a team.

Versuade Team – Fareeha Robert