Ways to Improve Communication With Your Partner During Infertility

Regardless of the diagnosis factor a long time ago infertility is seen as a dyadic problem. Results of carried research and practice experience consistently show the difference between men and women in coping with infertility. These gender differences lead to a
lot of challenges, misunderstanding, distancing, and even loneliness. If you want to avoid mentioned, here are the 3 ways to improve your communication with your partner during infertility:

1) Take the time to talk! When it comes to communication everyone talks about how to communicate and about useful techniques to do it, but we skip maybe the most important thing – when we talk. Most conversations that start when we are angry when we are doing something else or we have not enough time most often finished without the desired outcome. So, if you want a successful conversation, provide time and an environment to talk.

2) Do not hesitate to start a conversation about the problem! Try to be assertive when you talk about what is bothering you. Assertiveness is the ability to express your feelings and ask for what you want in the relationship. Assertive individuals avoid statements beginning with “YOU” and try to start their sentences with “I”. Assertive communication is clear, direct, and open of one’s thoughts, feelings, and needs while taking into account the partner’s feelings. If you communicate assertively you improve your chances to be understood and feel good after a conversation. So, the next time when you start the famous sentence “You never…”, try to keep this in mind.
How to be assertive – Example of Assertive Statement: “I am confused about making the right decision. I would like us to find some time to speak about this.”

3) Learn to listen! Active listening is the ability to let your partner know you understand them by restating their message. Active listening involves listening attentively without interruption and then restarting what was hear. This process lets the sender know whether or not the message they sent was clearly understood. This specifically means that while your partner is speaking you will
ask the questions if it is not clear to you or you want to know more. Also, you need to show some other signs that you understand them and that you are present, not only physically, but also mentally. How to be an active listener – Example of Active Listening: “ If I understand what you said, you are confused about making the decision. You want to set a time to talk about this.”

The most important support that you need during the IVF treatment is partner support. It’s very important to share your thoughts, feelings, and needs and that you feel understood. If you are not satisfied with communication with your spouse or if you are

satisfied but you want to improve it, don’t hesitate to reach the psychological support.