Frequently Asked Questions About the Psychological Component of Infertility
-- written by the ASRM Mental Health Professional Group
FAQ About the Psychological Component of Infertility
Infertility often creates one of the most distressing life crises that a couple has ever experienced together. The long term inability to conceive a child can evoke significant feelings of loss. Coping with the multitude of medical decisions and the uncertainties that infertility brings can create great emotional upheaval for most couples. If you find yourself feeling anxious, depressed, out of control, or isolated, you are not alone.
Everyone has feelings and emotional ups and downs as they pursue infertility treatment. Feeling overwhelmed at times is a perfectly normal response. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms over a prolonged period of time, you may benefit a great deal from working with a mental health professional:
- loss of interest in usual activities
- depression that doesn't lift
- strained interpersonal relationships (with partner, family, friends and/or colleagues)
- difficulty thinking of anything other than your infertility
- high levels of anxiety
- diminished ability to accomplish tasks
- difficulty with concentration
- change in your sleep patterns (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, early morning awakening, sleeping more than usual for you)
- change in your appetite or weight (increase or decrease)
- increased use of drugs or alcohol
- thoughts about death or suicide
- social isolation
- persistent feelings of pessimism, guilt, or worthlessness
- persistent feelings of bitterness or anger
In addition, there are certain points during infertility treatment when discussion with a mental health professional of various options and exploration of your feelings about these options can help facilitate clarification of your thinking and help with your decision making. For example, consultation with a mental health professional may be helpful to you and your partner if you are:
- at a treatment crossroad
- deciding between alternative treatment possibilities
- exploring other family building options
- considering third party assistance (gamete donation, surrogacy)
- having difficulty communicating or if you have different ideas about what direction to take
Mental health professionals with experience in infertility treatment can help a great deal. Their primary goal is to help individuals and couples learn how to cope with the physical and emotional changes associated with infertility, as well as with the medical treatments that can be painful and intrusive. For some, the focus may be on how to deal with a partner's response. For others, it may be on how to choose the right medical treatment or how to begin exploring other family building options. For still others, it may be on how to control stress, anxiety, or depression. By teaching patients problem- solving strategies in a supportive environment, mental health professionals help people work through their grief, fear, and other emotions so that they can find resolution of their infertility. A good therapist can help you sort out feelings, strengthen already present coping skills and develop new ones, and communicate with others more clearly. For many, the life crisis of infertility eventually proves to be an opportunity for life-enhancing personal growth.
Make sure you choose a mental health professional who is familiar with the emotional experience of infertility. It is recommended that they have:
- a graduate degree in a mental health profession
- a license to practice and/or state registration
- clinical training in the psychological aspects of infertility
- experience in the medical and psychological aspects of reproductive medicine
Interview more than one person. Ask them for their credentials as well as their experience with infertility issues and treatments. Ask if they are currently seeing other people with infertility.
For a referral to a competent mental health professional, you can click the "Find an Expert" button on the top right of this page. Also read over the Guidance On Qualifications For Fertility Counselors for more information on infertility counselors.
You could also ask your reproductive endocrinologist for names of people that he/she would recommend or contact a national support group such as RESOLVE.
Find a Mental Health Professional
FAQ
Resources For You
Advocacy Resources
ASRM has prepared resources to help you explain and advocate for reproductive rights and the continuation of in vitro fertilization and other fertility treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
ASRM's Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) provides answers to common questions about reproductive health.
Patient Journeys
ASRM has resources and publications to help you through each stage of your journey.
State and Territory Infertility Insurance Laws
One way that ASRM works to improve access to fertility care is by advocating for insurance coverage for reproductive medicine care. All patients should have access to the care they need.
Fact Sheets and Infographics
ASRM produces a series of fact sheets and booklets on various topics related to infertility, reproductive health, and family planning. The fact sheets and booklets are available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
Reproductive Rights and You
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SART Fertility Experts Podcast
An educational project of ASRM's affiliated society, the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART), this series is designed to provide up to date information about a variety of topics related to fertility testing and treatment such as IVF.
Patient Education Videos
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Terms and Definitions
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Patient Stories
Read real-life stories from patients who have faced reproductive medicine challenges and come out stronger on the other side.
Fertility in the News
ASRM Press Releases and Bulletins are published by ASRM's Office of Public Affairs to inform the world about important happenings in reproductive medicine and at ASRM.
Infertility
Fertility and Sterility Publishes Editorial Exploring the Origins of “Restorative Reproductive Medicine” and Why Modern Fertility Care Must Remain Comprehensive
Restorative reproductive medicine overlooks IVF, male-factor care, and the need for full-spectrum fertility treatment using modern technologies.
ASRM PRIMED Cohort Members—Including Physicians, Providers, and Experts—Meet with Congressional Offices to Advocate for IVF Access & Educate About Realities of Restorative Reproductive Medicine
ASRM PRIMED cohort meets Congress to push for IVF access, clarify risks of restorative reproductive medicine, and defend science‑based fertility care.
ASRM Hosts Capitol Hill Briefing for Policymakers & Congressional Staff to Hear From Providers & Patients About Importance of IVF Access, Realities and Limitations of Restorative Reproductive Medicine
ASRM briefing united lawmakers, physicians & patients on IVF access, exposing RRM limits and urging policies to expand fertility care options.
SRS Warns Against Limiting Access to IVF Under the Guise of “Restorative” Care
SRS, an ASRM affiliate, advocates evidence-based reproductive surgery and full-spectrum fertility care for conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, and PCOS.
F&S Reports Publishes Editorial Piece on the Unscientific Nature of the Arguments for “Restorative Reproductive Medicine” and Why We Need to Understand Them
F&S Reports editorial critiques “Restorative Reproductive Medicine” as unscientific, faith-driven, and a threat to evidence-based IVF care and reproductive rights.
ASRM, Leading Medical Organizations Urge National Governors Association to Reject ‘Restorative Reproductive Medicine’ in Open Letter
Medical groups urge governors to reject Restorative Reproductive Medicine laws, defending evidence-based infertility care and IVF access.
ASRM Center for Policy and Leadership Releases Fact Sheet on Following the Science & An Evidence-Based, Science-Driven Response to Infertility
ASRM’s fact sheet outlines an evidence-based infertility care pathway, countering misleading RRM claims with science-backed medical best practices.
Follow the Science: An Evidence-Based, Science-Driven Response to Infertility
A science-based infertility evaluation and treatment guide, grounded in clinical best practices, counters ideologically driven alternatives like RRM. View the advocacy resource
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National Infertility Awareness Week
April 19-25, 2026, is National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW)!
View the NIAW Toolkit
SART Fertility Experts - Military Families and Fertility
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In this episode, the fertility experts discuss the impact of the environment, including air, climate, and chemical exposures on infertility. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Implantation Failure
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SART Fertility Experts - Wellness and Fertility: Diet, Sleep and Exercise
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İnfertilite İçin Tanısal Testler
Gebelik elde edememiş çiftlere, korunmasız şekilde 12 ay boyunca denemelerine rağmen gebe kalamamışlarsa fertilite testleri önerilmektedir. View the fact sheet
SART Fertility Experts - Navigating IVF as a Couple
Mary Casey Jacob, PhD is interviewed by Dr. Daniel Grow, and together they explore the emotional and practical support that couples need. Listen to the Episode
Male Fertility Journey
About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors.
View the Patient Journey
Female Fertility Journey
If you've been trying to get pregnant for more than a year, you may have infertility. Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system that impairs one of the body's most basic functions: the conception of children.
View the Patient Journey
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Hyperprolactinemia (High Prolactin Levels)
Prolactin is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland which sits at the bottom of the brain. Read the fact sheet
Optimizing Natural Fertility
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Optimizing Male Fertility
About 20% of infertility cases are due to a male factor alone. Another 30% involves both male and female factors. View the fact sheet
Defining Infertility
Infertility is “the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse.” View the Fact Sheet
Fertility Rights and Responsibilities
Can a fertility program or clinic deny treatment to patient(s) if there is concern about the ability to care for the child(ren)? Yes. Fertility programs can withhold services if there are signs that patients will not be able to care for child(ren). View this Fact Sheet
Male Fertility Evaluation: What do I need to know?
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Smoking and infertility
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Infertility Counseling and Support: When and Where to Find It
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İn Vitro Maturasyon (IVM)
İn vitro maturasyon (IVM), yumurtaların vücut dışında toplanıp olgunlaştırılması işlemidi. View the fact sheet
KISIRLIĞIN (İNFERTİLİTENİN) TANIMLANMASI
Kısırlık “12 aylık korunmasız ilişkiye karşın gebe kalamamadır. View the fact sheet
Sigara ve Kısırlık
Çoğu insan, sigara içmenin kalp, damar ve akciğer hastalıkları riskini artırdığını bilir. View the fact sheet
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SART Fertility Experts - Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Candace discusses her experience with infertility, IVF, multiple pregnancy losses and ultimately a successful delivery with Dr. Julia Woodward.Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Financial Aspects of Infertility Treatment
“I know what treatment I want and need to do, but how can I afford it?” This is a common question infertility patients often ask themselves. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Infertility Advocacy and Government Affairs
In today's episode, Dr. Mark Trolice interviews Sean Tipton about the fact that many infertility patients do not have insurance coverage for treatment. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts - Your Infertility Nurse: Partner in Your Care
Infertility nurse practitioner and health coach Monica Moore explains the essential role of the infertility nurse in the IVF process. Listen to the Episode
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
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SART Fertility Experts - IVF: Cycles of Hope and Heartbreak
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SART Fertility Experts - RESOLVE and Infertility
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Testosterone use and male infertility
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SART Fertility Experts - What is an REI?
These experts in infertility lead IVF programs, perform reproductive surgery, and perform research to enhance the field of reproductive medicine. Listen to the Episode
SART Fertility Experts Teaser
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Infertility: an Overview (booklet)
Infertility is typically defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse. View the booklet
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Basic Infertility Evaluation
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses the various methods to evaluate infertility. Watch Video
Fibroid Tumors
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Infertility Treatments
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Understanding Fertility
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Endometriosis
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Causes of Female Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of female infertility. Watch Video
Age and Fertility (booklet)
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Causes of Male Infertility
Dr. Roger Lobo, of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine explains the causes of male infertility. Watch Video
FAQ About Infertility
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FAQ About the Psychological Component of Infertility
Infertility often creates one of the most distressing life crises that a couple has ever experienced together. Learn the facts
Mary Dolan's Story
