How to Talk About IVF
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is an essential topic in the fertility community. IVF is often recommended when initial fertility treatment such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) is not successful or when there is an underlying medical condition, or severe fertility factor (male or female). IVF has achieved growing success rates and increased patient comfort over the past two decades. Yet, even with decades of growth and increased awareness and support from the fertility community, IVF can still be a difficult topic to talk about.
Fertility care deserves a foundation of trust, understanding and education between patient and doctor. At Chelsea Fertility NYC, we nurture that trust by providing a warm, compassionate environment in which patients are supported from their very first consultation. We understand the needs of the fertility community, but not everyone is as open and familiar with reproductive technology as IVF. We’ve assembled some simple tips about how to talk about IVF when prompted.
Sometimes, even well-meaning family and friends can delve into personal topics during conversation because they are not as familiar with a subject or because they have not shared an experience, like IVF. Fertility is a very personal issue and should be treated with respect, but that doesn’t mean you won’t encounter a question that can throw you off, or make you feel compelled to provide more detail then you’d prefer.
It can help to have an idea of what your answer will be when questions about your IVF treatment arise. If you are comfortable discussing the treatment, then you should feel free to talk about as much of the procedure as you please, but if you feel like you are being pushed to explain IVF or other details you’d like to keep to yourself, then having a plan for your response to invasive questions can smooth over any discomfort.
Another idea is to help educate those whose questions cause discomfort or awkwardness. Despite 1 in 8 couples experiencing an infertility issue, few people realize just how many of their family and friends might share this predicament. Education is the key to openness and understanding. Explaining fertility treatments such as IVF to those who are not familiar or who believe certain misconceptions can pave the way for productive, supportive conversations.
Remember, most people mean well when they ask questions about IVF treatment. If you have considered your answers beforehand, and approach questions with support and resources from Chelsea Fertility NYC, you will feel more confident about a potentially difficult conversation.
