Tips for surviving the festive season while you’re struggling with fertility

Tips for surviving the festive season while you’re struggling with fertility

The festive season can be a joyous and exciting time for some, and a stressful and painful one for others. It’s a time of year that can be difficult for patients who are struggling with fertility problems.

At Fertility First, we recognise that this time of year can be both difficult and unavoidable, so we’ve thought of some suggestions and strategies for how you might choose to spend this time, offering strategies to help you cope during this challenging time.

1. Prepare a plan of action

Understand that this time of the year is coming and plan how you want to spend it. If spending time with family seems too uncomfortable, set some time aside to mentally rehearse the day in your mind.

Prepare for how you might deal with pregnant relatives or relatives with small children, and have responses to questions ready if you’re asked about your plans to start a family.

2. Make time for yourself

It’s okay to put yourself first and treat yourself by doing something you enjoy, whether it be bushwalking, a quiet time at home with Netflix, or planning a special get away by yourself or together.

Sometimes our fertility journey can consume our life and we can forget about the other person in the relationship, so doing something special together can help alleviate the stress and frustration that can sometimes tip us to breaking point.

3. Know that it’s okay to feel sad and emotional during this time of the year

Fertility journeys are hard work, they’re emotional rollercoasters that many others are experiencing. It is completely fine to acknowledge that you’re feeling overwhelmed or finding a situation challenging.

If you find yourself in a situation like this, take a breather away from everyone, collect your thoughts and know that it’s okay to feel this way.

For more tips and advice, consider making an appointment to speak to one of Fertility First’s counsellors. Alternatively, for more information and advice about infertility, and the availability of support services, check out Access Australia.

Share

Fertility Testing News & Information

FAQ

How does Fertility First keep fertility treatment and IVF costs down?

As a Doctor-owned Medical Practice, our fertility and IVF treatment costs do not need to cover overheads and/or shareholder dividends, all of which have to come out of the income derived from patients’ treatment cycle fees at other fertility clinics in Sydney.

What is the NSW fertility treatment rebates?

From the 1st October 2022, the NSW Government announced a rebate of $2,000 in OOP expenses for all eligible patients. Fertility First is pleased to support the NSW Government’s fertility rebate at our Sydney fertility clinic.

What makes Fertility First different to other Sydney fertility clinics?

Fertility First is privately owned, which means we can place more focus on our patients. We offer a holistic approach to fertility and believe that it’s important to minimise the invasiveness of the fertility testing process and only carry out the necessary investigations, maximising your chance of a successful outcome. We offer extensive preliminary fertility testing, including Halosperm Assay.

We were one of the first Sydney fertility clinics to offer a donor sperm and donor egg program, thanks to our partnership with Central IVF.

How do I choose the best fertilty clinic for me?

Choosing the right fertility clinic in Sydney is a very important decision. You should consider factors like success rates, clinic location and appointment times, fertility treatment costs, repor with the Fertility Specialist and what treatment options are available.

Does Fertility First offer preliminary fertility testing?

Yes. We offer a range of fertility testing for both males and females. We aim to have fertility test results back within 2 to 3 weeks, which means, unless any assessment of the fallopian tubes is required, fertility treatment options can then be considered.

Does Fertility First offer treatment for same sex couples and singles?

Yes. Fertility First offers a range of fertility treatments that are suitable for same sex couples and singles, including our donor sperm program. See our fertility treatment page for a full guide.

Does Fertility First offer Medicare rebates?

Yes. In order to assist you with a Medicare rebate for your fertility treatment, you will need a current referral to Fertility First.

Note: GP referrals are valid for 12 months, and specialist referrals are valid for 3 months.

Does Fertility First offer IVF treatment?

Yes. IVF treatment is offered to suitable patients after preliminary testing.