This is a question I have been asked many times over the years and also a topic I have received a lot of feedback on. Most often when you find yourself on the fertility path there are so many questions, so many fears that are all tied up in a deep desire to grow your family. It can be a truly emotional and consuming worry that you may not be able to grow your family in the way you may have intended. It is also overwhelming to consider that all of these hugely emotional decisions that all come at a large financial cost. 

I have heard repeatedly two major benefits from online support groups/discussion boards. My clients have said that they find the discussion boards and fertility groups helpful in the beginning, when you are first gathering information and trying to decide your next best steps. I have also received feedback from many of my clients that the excess medication sharing from families that no longer need the medications can be so helpful in offsetting some costs during your treatment. (Any medication sharing should be overseen by your treating physician to ensure you are getting what you need and that it is safe.)

However, everyone’s fertility journey is different. I put these words in bold because they are so important. And while research and support groups can be informative  and help guide your journey they can provide too much information. Some people are able to tell stories filled with hope and others tell stories that are extremely painful and have not arrived at a happy ending. It is truly important to know you are not alone, one in six couples are affected by infertility globally. However, each and every one of those couples have a different story. It is most important to know yourself and pay attention to how you are feeling. If you are finding that the support groups and discussion boards were once helpful but have become something increasing anxiety or feelings of hopelessness, stop! Find the support that is right for you and oftentimes that leads to individual counseling because you need support that is catered to your experience.