Resources
Infertility can take an emotional toll that can be incomprehensible to those who have never experienced it. It can affect every aspect of your life – from your daily routine to planning leisure activities to work performance. Its effect on relationships is profound. For many couples, infertility is the first time their marriage has endured problems and spouses may have different views on how to move forward. It can also impact how you interact with your parents, siblings, and friends, as well as your spiritual beliefs and needs.
Some studies have compared the stress of infertility to that experienced by individuals with cancer, AIDS and other complex and/or life-threatening conditions. To most, infertility can be devastating and is a major life crisis.
Face the Challenges of Infertility with Support
Speaking to someone who understands what you are experiencing is very important to many patients. Counseling and mental health services are an essential part of a comprehensive infertility program. Many clients seek support and information concerning the medical and emotional impact of their infertility journey and treatment plans. Psychological services are especially helpful in managing anxiety, depression or marital stress than can arise due to infertility.
CRMI works with several local mental health practitioners who specialize in infertility. We require you see one of them if you are considering egg donation and/or gestational surrogacy as either a recipient, donor, or carrier.
Here are some resources you might find helpful:
The New England chapter of RESOLVE that provides support, education and advocacy through support groups, educational programs and continued advocacy to strengthen the Massachusetts Infertility Mandate.
A leading source of family building information, support and education based in New York City.
The national headquarters of the country's first infertility awareness and support organization, located in Washington, D.C. It is a community for women and men with infertility and provides information and support during their family building journey.
A national nonprofit dedicated to helping cancer patients facing infertility by providing reproductive information, support and hope.
Brings education and understanding of fertility and adoption issues to the forefront and provides hope as well as financial assistance to those longing to become parents.
The International Council on Fertility Information Dissemination (INCIID) is a nonprofit helping patients explore their family building options. It is able to provide a limited amount of free IVF to those with medical and financial need.
A Web resource provided by EMD Serono, a pharmaceutical manufacturer of several common fertility medications, that offers infertility information in both English and Spanish.