Infertility affects about 1 in 7 couples in the United Kingdom, so if you have just discovered that you are infertile, know that you’re far from being alone. Dealing with infertility could be difficult if you really want to have children, however. But you should know that all hope is not lost and that many infertile couples have been able to create families for themselves. Some have also been able to move on from the idea of having children and live normal lives. Let’s take a look at a few ways that you can cope with infertility.
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Seek Professional Help
It’s normal to be sad after learning that you’re infertile, but if you start plunging into depression, you will need to consider seeking some help. There are plenty of organisations and support groups that are there specifically for infertile couples, so try to find one in your area. Some of the organisations you could consider include Fertility Friends, Fertility Network UK, and The Daisy Network, just to name a few.
Consider Surrogacy
You could also consider going for surrogacy. You have different options here: if both the sperm and eggs are fertile then you could go for gestational surrogacy where an embryo is implanted into the surrogate mother’s womb. If the eggs are infertile, then you could go for a traditional surrogacy when the sperm is used to fertilise the surrogate mother’s eggs. Note that the baby will not be genetically related to the surrogate mother in the case of gestational surrogacy, so that could be the closest to you having a baby.
Consider Adopting or Foster Care
Adoption and fostering are two other options you could consider. It could be good to start with fostering first, however. This will allow you to know if you have the skills to be a parent and if you’re actually ready to adopt a child. You may also realise that fostering is enough responsibility for you. If you want to learn more about fostering and the requirements to become one, you can check out an agency like Fosterplus.
Find an Outlet
If you decide to not bring children into your home at all, try to find an outlet to express yourself. One of the things that could help would be to volunteer or work for an organisation that works with children. Or you could use your career as an outlet. Becoming a teacher, for instance, could give you some of the feelings of being a parent, and many students see their teachers as parent figures. Nursing is another field where the people you serve can feel like part of your family, and through which you can build genuine bonds. So, look at all the options and see which career path would feel the most fulfilling.
Getting an infertility diagnosis is never easy but is something that can be surmounted if you’re willing to seek help. Consider all of these options and speak with a counsellor as soon as possible if you have any questions or reservations.
