Love and Intimacy: Navigating Your Fertility Journey Together
Fertility treatments can be taxing, both physically and emotionally. Over time, the stress of medical procedures and prolonged uncertainty can take a toll on even the strongest couples. Nevertheless, it’s important to maintain strong emotional, physical, and supportive connections during this critical time. Below are some ways couples can support their relationship while navigating their fertility journey.
1. Redefine Intimacy
Though intimacy is usually associated with physical touch and closeness, it also encompasses emotional connection, trust, and shared experiences that strengthen a relationship. Intimacy can mean different things for every couple, but defining what intimacy means for you and your partner requires open communication. Have an honest conversation with your partner about your emotional and physical needs. Engage in activities together that foster moments of quality time, such as cooking a meal, taking a walk, or simply enjoying a quiet evening without distractions. Prioritizing these shared experiences helps deepen your bond and maintain a sense of closeness, even during challenging times. Remember, intimacy isn’t just about physical affection—it’s about feeling seen, heard, and valued by your partner.
2. Manage Stress - Together
Difficulty conceiving is stressful for both parties in a couple, not just the partner planning on carrying the pregnancy, which is why it is important to tackle stress together. Go for walks together, try yoga or meditation classes, a couple’s massage, or consider couple’s therapy or counseling sessions if needed.
3. Make Room for Romance
For those going through fertility treatments, intimacy can feel like just another task to check off your to-do list, especially when intercourse is scheduled by your doctor. To combat this, try to separate those moments of prescribed physical intimacy from authentic moments of affection. Surprise each other with romantic gestures that differ from the routine of fertility treatments like writing a heartfelt note, planning a date night, or sharing a meaningful conversation without distractions. Focus on rekindling emotional closeness through laughter, touch, and shared experiences that remind you of your connection outside the journey to conception. By nurturing intimacy in different ways, you can help maintain a strong, loving bond throughout the process.
Final Thoughts
Remember that your relationship is the foundation of this journey. Fertility treatments may come with ups and downs, but maintaining emotional and physical closeness can help you navigate them together. Prioritize open communication, make space for joy and romance, and support each other through every step. No matter the outcome, strengthening your bond during this time will not only help you through the fertility journey but also build a resilient and loving partnership for the future.
Reserve a Consultation with NYU Langone Fertility Center to get started on your journey to building a family.
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The NYU Langone Fertility Center Blog
At NYU Langone Fertility Center, our first job is to support our patients as they become educated about their reproductive health and fertility treatment options. Our blog connects patients with the most up-to-date information, technologies, and insights into fertility care. From egg freezing to IVF to third-party reproduction options, we explore every facet of assisted reproductive technology and empower patients with the knowledge they need to navigate their family building journeys.