On this page…

Introduction

Infertility and mental health affect each other. Many people feel anxiety or low mood when they are being assessed for infertility, and these feelings can affect daily life and sometimes the outcome of treatment.

This information aims to support you if you have been diagnosed with infertility. It explains how infertility and mental health are linked and offers practical ways to cope during treatment.

How infertility can affect your mental health

Infertility can affect your mental health in personal and sometimes unexpected ways. These effects can last even after the period of childlessness has passed.

You may face many decisions and uncertainties, and this can feel overwhelming. It can also be hard to cope when communication becomes difficult.

Studies show that depression is more common in people having fertility treatment than in the general population. Between 15% and 54% of people experience major depression. Anxiety is also more common, affecting 8% to 28% of couples.

Fertility treatment failure can also affect your mental health, especially when emotional or educational support is limited.

How poor mental health can affect fertility treatment

Many people stop treatment because of emotional distress. Timed intercourse can also feel stressful, as something that was once spontaneous may start to feel like a task.
It helps to check your mental health early in treatment. Research shows that depression and anxiety can affect the success of fertility treatment.

Signs that you may need extra support

Feeling overwhelmed at times is normal. But if you experience any of the following symptoms for a long period, you may benefit from speaking to a mental health professional:

  • loss of interest in usual activities, or a low mood that does not lift
  • difficulty concentrating or loss of confidence
  • thinking about infertility most of the time, or feeling very anxious
  • persistent feelings of bitterness or anger
  • thoughts about self-harm or suicide
  • increased use of drugs or alcohol
  • strained relationships with your partner, family, friends or colleagues
  • changes in sleep (difficulty falling asleep, waking early, or sleeping more than usual)
  • changes in appetite or weight

How to look after your mental health during treatment

  • Communicate openly with your partner. Many men find it hard to express how they feel.
  • Talk to family and friends. You may find more support than you expect.
  • Remember you are not alone. Many others are going through similar experiences.
  • Seek counselling. This may be through online or local support groups.
  • Practice self-care. Activities such as talking therapy, mindfulness, yoga, gentle exercise, journaling or taking a relaxing bath can help you cope.

Some studies show that psychological support can reduce distress and may even improve pregnancy rates.
Please do not stop your mental health medicines as trying to conceive without discussing with your doctor because most of these medications are usually safe to take in pregnancy.

Sources of further information and support

Forget Me Not Frimley Maternal Mental Health

Offers psychological therapy for women who are struggling with their mental health because of fertility difficulties. Partners are welcome to join the sessions.  Please speak to your GP, midwife, Health Visitor or other healthcare professional to be referred.

 

Fertility Network UK

The aim of the group is to provide peer support, discussion and sharing of experiences of fertility issues for those who live in the South East. This group is open to anyone struggling to conceive their first child.

 

British Infertility Counselling Association

The British Infertility Counselling Association (BICA) is the UK’s leading professional fertility counselling association. BICA is recognised by both the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and the British Fertility Society.
British infertility counselling association.png

 

NeXYs Fertility

NeXYs Fertility is dedicated to providing peer support for men during fertility challenges — with online groups and regular in-person events across the UK. They deliver tailored 1:1 coaching, along with specialist-led webinars that give you clear, reliable information.

 

Donor Conception Network

The Donor Conception Network provides support, information and a community to those using, or thinking about using, donor conception to build their family. Since 1993 they have helped thousands of people, hosted hundreds of in-person and online events and published over 50 books.

 

Crisis support

If you need urgent help, the following services are available:

Contact us

If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Gynaecology service.

About this information

Service:
Gynaecology

Reference:
L/013

Approval date:
6 November 2026

Review date:
1 November 2029

Click ‘show accessibility tools’ at the bottom of the page 

Accesibility tools snip.PNG

Then click ‘select language’  

dropdown menu reading 'Select language'

 

Interpreters for your appointment

Alternative formats 

You can use the accessibility toolbar at the bottom of your screen to: 

  • Change the text size 

  • Adjust the font 

  • Modify the colour contrast 

  • Use the translate function 

If you would like this information in another format, such as Braille, audio, or easy read, please speak to a member of staff. 

You can also print as well as download as PDF using the “Print this page” button at the end of the page.  

Staff will print a copy for you on request 

Important note 

This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.