MEDICAL SELF-CARE

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EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

Infertile couples typically experience strong feelings of guilt, sadness, alienation, and anger. According to San Francisco fertility gynecologist Dr. Robert Nachtigall, "Anyone who has worked with infertile couples soon realizes that universal psychological burdens accompany the condition. Infertility is a potential loss of a basic human expression, and the mind deals with that loss in many ways."

Nachtigall says that fertile couples are often unsupportive of infertile couples. And those experiencing difficulty having children usually find it hard to discuss their feelings even with their closest friends.

For this reason, peer support groups have formed in recent years to help people deal with infertility. Perhaps the best-known organization that offers such assistance is Resolve, Inc. (Dept. TMEN, P.O. Box 474, Belmont, Massachusetts 02178). Most of Resolve's members have all but exhausted the possibilities for traditional biological parenthood, so the organization's goal is to help them deal with their pent-up feelings about infertility, and to make them aware of alternatives, such as adopting a child, trying artificial insemination (by spouse or donor), attempting test-tube conception, or simply learning to accept childless living.

Obviously, infertility is traumatic . . . but more couples than ever who seek appropriate medical and emotional aid can now achieve conception that results in birth. And even those who must remain childless can nevertheless find understanding and support that—in time—can help them adjust to the situation.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Medical Self-Care, Dr. Tom Ferguson's quarterly journal, is available for $15 per year from Medical Self-Care, Dept. TMEN, P. O. Box 717, Inverness, California 94937. A sample issue costs $4.00. Dr. Ferguson's book, also titled Medical Self-Care, can be ordered—for $10 postpaid—from the same address.

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