When couples have trouble getting pregnant, it challenges them to think about why they want a family and what their relationship truly means to them. Most couples feel that the foundation of their relationship is shaken as they find ways to cope with stress, helplessness, and feelings of guilt, frustration, and—in many cases—blame.

In some relationships, the blame game might start out with partners blaming themselves or each other for infertility or medical diagnoses. One partner might point fingers at themselves or their significant other, throwing in a side of anger that interferes with everything—from communication to sexual desire. A common storyline for this situation is that one partner resents the other for wanting to wait longer to start a family. Or, the blame might fall on certain habits, like smoking, skipping the gym, or eating poorly.

Expectations and communication take a hit too. Infertility often drags in unwanted guests, like feelings of depression, anxiety, and a sense of failure that can further stress the relationship. It can be hard to connect with a partner who is frequently withdrawn, depressed, tired, and seems uninterested in the things you both used to enjoy doing together. In fact, many partners will complain that they no longer recognize the person........

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