Things said to me while going through infertility...
Maybe it's not meant to be.
Infertility isn't a real health condition.
Why don't you just adopt?
Just relax it will happen.
Whose fault is it?
You can have my kids.
Enjoy your freedom now.
It could be worse.
It will happen when you least expect it.
Just stop thinking about it.
IVF is selfish.
At least you can try again.
When all I really needed was someone to listen and be there...
To those supporting a loved one struggling with infertility or loss, please know that these comments are hurtful. We don't need you to fix what we're feeling, we just want to feel seen, heard, and less alone.
For World Infertility Month, let's work together to raise awareness, educate others, and change the conversation around fertility.
... Read moreNavigating infertility is an incredibly personal and emotional journey, and dealing with unsolicited comments can add to the pain. Many people close to those struggling mean well but often say things like "Maybe it's not meant to be" or "Just relax, it will happen," which can feel dismissive and hurtful. From my own experience, what really mattered was when someone simply listened without offering advice or judgment.
People sometimes question, "Whose fault is it?" or suggest "Why don't you just adopt?" These remarks don’t acknowledge the complexity of infertility as a real health condition. Even the notion that "IVF is selfish" reflects misunderstandings that people with infertility face regularly. Such comments often come from a place of ignorance rather than malice but can leave lasting emotional scars.
I found that expressing my feelings openly within a supportive community helped combat the isolation. Social media groups and forums dedicated to infertility awareness offer a space where people can share their journeys without judgment. Raising awareness during World Infertility Month helps educate others and shifts conversations toward kindness and understanding.
If you’re supporting someone facing infertility, remember they probably don’t want solutions—they want empathy. Listening, acknowledging their pain, and normalizing their feelings can make a huge difference. Avoid clichés and instead offer genuine support.
In summary, changing the narrative around infertility involves patience, awareness, and kindness. The impact of hurtful comments is real, but through education and compassionate dialogue, we can create a more supportive environment for those on this journey.