Infertility and Public Health - Essay Example

Infertility and Public Health According to Gurevich (2008, pg Finding support when dealing with infertility is essential, and friends and family can lend some of that support. They may not give perfect support, but some is better than none. So, the question isn't so much should you tell friends and family members, but exactly which individuals you should open up to. Considering the pros and cons of telling particular people can help you make the best choice. You want to tell those people who you know will support you, not make you feel worse.

" There are several benefits that a couple can have when they choose to tell their friends and family about their infertility problems. First of all, family members are less likely to ask uncomfortable questions at family social functions if they know that a couple is having trouble conceiving. Second, friends and family can better understand the tendency not to attend baby-related parties or gatherings if they know about the infertility. Gurevich (2008, pg. 1) claims that, "Perhaps the number one benefit of sharing is getting support.

When you feel ill from some fertility medication you're taking, or down when your period comes and you have another negative pregnancy test, being able to call up your sister, cousin, or friend can really help." In this particular case, the couple is suffering from some of the pitfalls that can occur when a couple decides to tell their friends and family about their infertility problems. Their family wants to be helpful, but they are not exactly sure how to do so. They are reacting the best way they know how, but it is making the couple uncomfortable.

The family members are trying to 'fix' the problem, but the advice is not based on sound medical research. Trying to tell family and friends can also result in blaming or causing extreme discomfort any time the subject of babies is brought up. As an infertility counselor, I would make three suggestions to the couple regarding this situation. First, I would recommend who to seek support from in their family. Then, I would recommend who to seek support from in their circle of friends. Finally, I would recommend that they seek support from other couples dealing with infertility.

All of these things should help them deal with sticky situations at family gatherings. With regard to family members, it is important to careful consider who to talk to about infertility issues. Parents can be a good choice, but siblings may be even better. They are closer in age and may have a better understanding and be able to communicate on a more appropriate level. Plus, they may have had similar experiences. Cousins can also be a good choice. Gurevich (2008, pg. 1) claims that, "The ideal is to find a few good people to confide in -- just enough to have someone to call on those bad days, or to make comforting eye-contact with at family gatherings if an inappropriate comment is made.

" The situation can be pretty easy when it comes to deciding which friends not to tell. Those that are prone to giving advice, withdraw in uncomfortable situation, or have new babies or are pregnant are probably not the best choices to seek support from in this situation. According to Gurevich (2008, pg. 1), "It's important to also have support from those who understand infertility. A local support group, such as RESOLVE, or an online infertility community are terrific resources. While my very best friend may be a great listener, I still find myself needing to talk to people who can say, 'I get it, because I've been there.

'"ReferenceGurevich, R. (2008). Should you tell your friends and family about your infertility About.com. Retrieved August 7, 2008, from http://infertility.about.com/od/copingwithinfertility/f/tellfriendsfam.htm