Standing vis-à-vis with the reality of infertility, even after following through with the myriad treatment possibilities, often proves to be among the most trying times couples will ever experience, many say.

 

Processing through the reality of infertility – from learning the news to pursuing treatment and beyond – is a physically and emotionally taxing experience. However, while these couples often feel like the world is packed full of glowing, pregnant women, the reality is that infertility is very common. In fact, of all reproductive-age couples in the United States, approximately 10 percent experience infertility.

 

People choose adoption for a variety of reasons, but it is estimated that between 11 and 24 percent of couples who choose adoption do so after exhausting infertility treatment options.

 

But when the decision is made to pursue adoption, it should be just that: a decision that is made to pursue adoption, following emotional closure from hopes of conceiving biologically.

 

Psychologist Dr. Janice Sidelnik explains why:

 

“This is how closure can take place – it’s like crossing a bridge,” she says. “Crossing the bridge is much easier with this acceptance, even though our prior history will always be an important part of our lives, the next stage is much healthier once those conflicts, including the disappointment many couples feel with infertility treatments, with those all closed up.”