Emotional wellbeing during your fertility journey

Table of contents

1. The emotional side of fertility

2. Why support matters so much

3. Practical ways to manage your emotions

4. Getting through this phase together

The emotional side of fertility

When people talk about trying to conceive, the focus is often on nutrition, hormones, and medical treatments - rarely on the emotional side. Yet the impact can be profound. The decision to start or grow a family is full of hope, but when it doesn’t happen easily, it can bring feelings of sadness, fear, frustration, or even failure. Many couples find that the process takes longer than they expected. On average, it takes six to twelve months to conceive naturally. During that time, the repeated cycle of hope and disappointment can take a real emotional toll. The monthly rhythm of waiting, testing, and starting over can feel like an emotional rollercoaster.

“I felt trapped in a cycle of hope and grief. Each month began with excitement and ended in disappointment, and I no longer knew how to hope without being afraid.” - Anna, 32

It’s important to recognise that these emotions are normal. They don’t mean you’re weak or doing something wrong - they show how much this means to you.

Why support matters so much

During this time, support is essential. Many people try to “stay strong” by keeping a positive attitude or suppressing their emotions. But that often increases the pressure. Reaching out for help or support early can actually make it easier to cope with disappointment. Open and honest communication with your partner is a good first step. Try sharing how you feel without expecting either of you to “fix” it - sometimes just being heard is enough. Professional support can also make a difference. A qualified perinatal therapist or fertility coach understands both the physical and emotional impact of this journey. They can offer tools to reduce stress, improve communication, and rebuild trust in your body. Talking to friends or family can also help - especially when you explain what you’re going through. Not everyone understands how sensitive this topic can be. By opening up, you create space for real understanding and connection.

“When my brother told me he was going to be a dad, I felt happy and heartbroken at the same time. I wish I’d told him earlier how hard it was - I could have received more support.” – Dana, 31

Practical ways to manage your emotions

Every fertility journey is unique, but there are some techniques that can help you find calm and resilience.

1. Journaling: Writing helps organise your thoughts and release tension. Think of it as clearing space in your mind. Try journaling during the day so it helps you process rather than worry at night.

2. Mindfulness: Being present in the moment - without judgment - can reduce the intensity of anxious thoughts. Focus on sensory details such as smell, taste, or sound during a walk or meal.

3. Breathing exercises: A simple way to calm your nervous system is box breathing: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, and pause for 4. Repeat a few times to restore calm.

4. Yoga: Proven to reduce stress and anxiety - and supportive for fertility as well. Gentle movements, deep breathing, and relaxation help bring body and mind back into balance.

Getting through this phase together

Fertility doesn’t just affect your body - it affects your relationship too. Sex can start to feel like a “task” around ovulation, adding pressure. Financial stress or medical treatments can intensify that strain.

Try to practice patience and openness with each other. Not every day will feel easy, but keep the conversation going. Listen without trying to fix everything. The feeling that you’re in this together matters more than having a perfect plan.

Many couples find that this time ultimately brings them closer. Facing challenges together often builds empathy and resilience - qualities that will serve you well later as parents.

In summary

Trying to conceive is not just a physical process - it’s an emotional one too. It calls for patience, gentleness, and self-care. Sometimes it may feel like you’re stuck between hope and disappointment, but remember: you’re not alone. Whether it’s through talking with your partner, seeking professional support, or taking small moments for yourself with yoga or mindfulness - every act of self-care counts. And if it ever feels too heavy, reach out for help sooner rather than later. Flouria’s doctors and advisors are here to listen, guide, and help you find ways to strengthen your emotional resilience.

Key takeaways

• It’s normal for fertility to affect your emotions and relationship.

• Emotional support is just as important as physical care.

• Journaling, mindfulness, and breathing exercises can help manage stress.

• Open communication and seeking help make you stronger.

References:

Boivin J. (2019). How does stress, depression and anxiety affect patients undergoing treatment?. Current opinion in obstetrics & gynecology, 31(3), 195–199. https://doi.org/10.1097/GCO.0000000000000539

Bernet, M., Quaas, A. M., von Wolff, M., Santi, A., Streuli, I., Wunder, D., Soom Ammann, E., & Büssing, A. (2025). Quality of life, spiritual needs, and well-being of people affected by infertility and its treatment: quantitative results of a mixed-methods study. Journal of assisted reproduction and genetics, 42(6), 1853–1862. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-025-03463-z

Paraskevi, L., Antigoni, S., & Kleanthi, G. (2021). Stress and Anxiety Levels in Couples who Undergo Fertility Treatment: a Review of Systematic Reviews. Materia socio-medica, 33(1), 60–64. https://doi.org/10.5455/msm.2021.33.60-64

Correa Rancel, M., Sosa Comino, E., Leon-Larios, F., Suárez Hernández, Y., Carballo Lorenzo, J., Gomez-Baya, D., & Baez Quintana, D. (2023). Emotional Distress Caused by the Measures Taken in Assisted Reproductive Treatments during the COVID-19 Confinement in Spain. Journal of clinical medicine, 12(22), 7069. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12227069