"We are Trying!"  Usually this statement is said with a lot of excitement and hope.  Each month you try and might even calculate "if" we got pregnant, the baby would be due...

What happens when this month and the next come and go, and you are still not pregnant?  What happens when it has been 6, 9, or 12 (or longer) months?   You might start to worry about being "infertile".  Often, this becomes your own personal nightmare ~ trying to stay positive, while feeling overwhelmed by the negativity and stress of not getting/ being pregnant.  At first you might share your situation with friends and family, but later might feel they are "tired" of hearing you "complain" or perhaps you might feel as if you were "burdening" them with your "problem".

At the same time, everyone around you seems pregnant and your friends call you to tell you they are pregnant (after only 2 months of "trying").  You might have mixed feelings of happiness and sadness; perhaps you feel some jealousy or anger and question "Why me?"  "What is WRONG with me?"

This is a familiar story, though one that feels isolating and unique.

Therapy can be beneficial during this emotional time.  An infertility specialist once said "Stress does NOT cause infertility...Infertility causes stress!"

Understandably, it can be difficult to reduce or manage stress (and all the other overwhelming emotions) when you feel like you "can't" get pregnant... therapy can teach you how to manage negative thoughts and emotions and cope with this difficult situation.

In addition, difficulty conceiving can increase tension in a relationship, contribute to feelings of inadequacy or partner resentment...therapy can assist in partner communication and help increase partner understanding and compassion.