5 things you should not say to someone going through fertility treatment

Read this insightful blog about being supportive to someone going through fertility treatment by Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF centre in Ghaziabad

Infertility, or subfertility, is a condition where people cannot successfully conceive or reach the term of pregnancy even after trying for more than a year. Where it is easier to understand the physical stress one goes through during a fertility treatment, understanding their mental health might not be as easy. Often, the closest people to the patients can cause them emotional scars without knowing.

“If your friends, family, colleague, or anyone you know is going through fertility treatment, they're probably under a lot of pressure already. Stress, anxiety, and even depression are not uncommon for fertility patients. And we hear from patients that the people around them don’t understand them; they need to distance themselves from people to feel better. So, if you want to be helpful and supportive, you should be mindful about what you say to them during this period,” says Dr. Gunjan Gupta, leading IVF specialist, Founder and Director of Gunjan IVF World – the best IVF centre in Delhi.

What not to say

1. Do not downplay their issue: “The journey of infertility is painful. And as someone who is not on the same journey, you might not know what the other is feeling. So do not belittle their problem by telling them how lucky they are that they don’t have bigger problems. Even if the intention is good, they might feel you’re just minimising their problems,” says Dr. Aastha Raheja, Consultant at the best IVF center in Ghaziabad – Gunjan IVF World.
2. Do not compare their situation to others: “This is one of the most common mistakes a friend or relative makes. Every fertility journey is different, so do not try to make them feel better by comparing their situation to others. Don’t suggest that something will work for them just because it did for someone else,” says Dr. Garima Sharma, Gynaecologist Janakpuri, Consultant at Gunjan IVF World – the best Ivf clinic in Janakpuri.
3. Do not complain about your pregnancy or children: For someone trying and failing to get pregnant, it can be hard to see others who didn’t need to try too much to have a family. Refrain from complaining about your pregnancy or children to them, not even jokingly.
4. Do not ask them whose “fault” it is: “A fertility issue is very personal to a couple. Unless they share problems with you by themselves, don’t assume or ask inappropriate questions. It can make them feel more uncomfortable than it already is,” says Dr. Shubhda Gupta, Gynae in Noida, Consultant at the renowned IVF center Noida – Gunjan IVF World.
5. Do not suggest adoption: A couple going through infertility must have considered adoption at some point. If they have not chosen it, they must have done it for personal reasons. It is not your place to ask them about adoption.

What to say instead

Dr. Anshu Dhar, Consultant at the best IVF centre in Indirapuram – Gunjan IVF World, suggests being empathetic and mindful while talking to fertility patients. “You should always let your friends or family who are going through IVF treatment know that you care for them. Always listen to them and lend them a shoulder. Be supportive and offer them help. It is a long process, too. So, offer them help whenever you can. If you see any sign of mental health disorders, encourage them to seek help.”

Book An Appointment

Follow Us On

Related Blogs

Follow Us On