Far too often, infertility is seen as strictly a physical problem. Infertility diagnosis and complete infertility treatment should always include emotional counseling and/or group therapy. Couples and many professionals who treat infertile couples tend to overlook the emotional issues that are always present in these types of situations.

The Center for Personal & Family Growth staff recognizes that infertility is often the most stressful situation a couple will ever face and has a variety of counseling options — individual, couples and group — available in the Erie region.

Infertility is not a disease that a woman or man should face alone. It is a couples’ disease and nearly half of all infertility has a contributing male factor. Open communication will alleviate much of your apprehension.

When a person experiences fertility problems, they often experience feelings of guilt and powerlessness. Their lack of control over their fertility can make them feel helpless. Often, individuals tend to blame themselves or their partner for the fertility problems. Unfortunately, this need to lay blame can be destructive to a relationship and cause resentment to build up between partners. You may also find yourself questioning your abilities, identity and even your self-worth.

Couples can experience problems when one partner is committed to pursuing all treatment options and doing “whatever it takes” to have a child while the other would prefer to set limits. There can also be feelings of anxiety about which treatment option is best and whether or not it will work. Additionally, many couples find themselves to be in a grieving process because of the child that they are unable to have. Women who have experienced multiple miscarriages may especially be affected by feelings of grief.

Infertility Counseling at the Center for Personal & Family Growth involves treating:

• stress;
• depression;
• anxiety;
• grief/loss;
• relationship issues;
• primary and secondary infertility; and
• pregnancy/parenting after infertility.

By means of individual, couples or group counseling people will learn:

• coping techniques;
• relaxation techniques;
• decision making techniques;
• communication and understanding of your partner;
• how to laugh again;
• how to develop a support system; and
• how to identify issues relating to the infertility.