Prioritize Communication
When your partner is undergoing IVF, there’s a lot to navigate—appointments, medications, mood swings, and waiting. Start with an open conversation about what each of you needs and how you’ll handle stress, discomfort, or emotional triggers (like others’ pregnancy news). Good communication sets the tone for a strong team dynamic.
Set Expectations
Learn the basics of IVF so you can help ask questions, follow the process, and offer informed support.
Remember, sometimes your partner may just need to be heard, not helped. Listening without rushing to solve can be incredibly powerful.
Consider setting a shared timeline to revisit decisions, for example, “if we’re not pregnant by this date or after this many cycles, we’ll consider the next option.”
TL;DR
- Conceiving a child with the help of a sperm donor is a way to build your family.
- Can be done with someone you know or through a sperm bank.
You Are the On-Call Care Team
As the partner, you’re on call for hand-holding, back-rubbing, and tissue-carrying. You might also be nursing, giving injections or ice packs, setting medication reminders, and tracking questions for future doctor visits. Not sure how to help? Just ask!
You might also be the primary communicator, connecting with family about how things are going, making appointments, or getting updates from your clinic. These small efforts can make a big difference in reducing stress.
Consider Self-Care
Make a plan for how you’ll deal with your own stress. Is it planning a night out with friends? Exercising to manage stress? Maintaining your own mental health will ensure you can be there for your partner, too.
As you move forward in the IVF process, you may want to have your own support team on call—a friend, family member, or therapist who can be there for you, so you can be there for your partner.
At Sunfish, we’re here for you, too, for all your questions and concerns throughout this complicated but hopeful time. If you need resources, reach out to the Sunfish care team for a referral.
Bottom Line
- IVF may create new challenges for your relationship, but by planning ahead together, you can be ready to support your partner through the ups and downs.
- Don't forget to take care of yourself!
- Stay flexible. You don’t know exactly what’s coming your way, but you can handle it—and we can help.
Did you know the IVF Success Program includes more resources like discounted services from fertility mental health coaches?
TL;DR
- Conceiving a child with the help of a sperm donor is a way to build your family.
- Can be done with someone you know or through a sperm bank.