What should I say to my partner during IVF?

Say supportive things like 'I'm here for you,' 'We're in this together,' and 'Your feelings are valid.' Avoid saying 'Just relax,' 'It will happen when it's meant to,' or comparing to others who got pregnant easily. Sometimes just listening without offering solutions is most helpful.

How do I help with IVF injections?

Many partners help administer daily IVF injections. Watch tutorial videos from your clinic, practice with saline, ice the injection site beforehand, and stay calm. Your partner may feel less anxious if you're confident. Some couples make it a bonding ritual with a small reward afterward.

Why is my partner so emotional during IVF?

IVF medications cause significant hormonal fluctuations similar to extreme PMS. Combined with the emotional weight of fertility struggles and the high stakes of treatment, mood swings are completely normal. Be patient, don't take things personally, and remember this is temporary.

Should I go to all IVF appointments?

Try to attend key appointments: initial consultation, egg retrieval, embryo transfer, and beta test results. Your presence shows support and helps you understand the process. If work conflicts arise, discuss with your partner which appointments matter most to them.

How can I reduce stress for my partner during IVF?

Handle household tasks, meal prep, and errands. Create a calm home environment. Protect them from insensitive comments from family. Don't ask 'Is it working?' or symptom-spot during the two-week wait. Plan low-key activities you enjoy together.

What if IVF doesn't work?

Prepare yourself emotionally for any outcome. If a cycle fails, grieve together. Avoid immediately jumping to 'next steps' - let your partner process first. Consider counselling to navigate the journey together. Your partnership matters more than any single outcome.

Supporting Your Partner Through IVF

IVF is a team effort. While your partner goes through the physical demands of treatment, your role as a supportive partner is crucial to their emotional wellbeing and the success of your journey together. This guide will help you understand how to be there in meaningful ways.

Understanding What Your Partner Is Going Through

IVF involves daily hormone injections, frequent clinic visits, invasive procedures, and significant emotional stress. Your partner may experience:

Physical Effects

• Bloating and discomfort from medications
• Fatigue and hormonal mood swings
• Injection site soreness
• Recovery from egg retrieval procedure

Emotional Effects

• Anxiety about outcomes
• Grief from past losses or failed cycles
• Feeling of loss of control
• Pressure and isolation

Ways to Support Your Partner

🤝Physical Support

💉Help administer daily injections

🥗Prepare healthy meals and snacks

🏠Handle household chores and errands

🚗Drive to and from appointments

🛋️Create a comfortable recovery space

💚Emotional Support

👂Listen without trying to fix things

💚Validate feelings - 'That makes sense'

🤗Give space when needed, closeness when wanted

🚫Don't minimise or compare to others

🎉Celebrate small wins together

📋Practical Support

📅Track medication schedules together

📝Research and ask questions at appointments

📋Manage insurance and billing paperwork

📱Handle communications with family

🎬Plan distractions during the two-week wait

Things to Avoid

✕Saying 'Just relax and it will happen'

✕Comparing to friends who got pregnant easily

✕Offering unsolicited advice or 'miracle' solutions

✕Symptom-spotting during the two-week wait

✕Making light of the process or minimizing feelings

✕Pressuring about timelines or next steps

✕Sharing news without permission

✕Taking mood swings personally

Taking Care of Yourself Too

Supporting someone through IVF can be emotionally draining. Remember:

•Your feelings matter too - it's okay to feel stressed, sad, or overwhelmed
•Find your own support system - a friend, therapist, or online community
•Maintain some of your own routines and self-care
•Couples counselling can help you both navigate this together

Track Your IVF Journey Together

Use IVFPath to stay organised as a team. Track medications, appointments, and milestones together. Being informed helps you provide better support.

Start Tracking Free

How can I support my partner through IVF?