End Of The Line, Or Is It? Dealing With Infertility as an Older Adult

Almost all living things are designed to reproduce. That’s simply evolution and survival at work. It is one of the most natural of functions and to some, becoming a parent and being able to raise the next generation is the defining moment and ultimate purpose in life.

But not everyone is so blessed to have the ability to reproduce. Some are unable to because of an accident, because of their physiology, and others, sadly, simply are unable to find someone to share this miracle with.

It’s a frightful prospect to know that your branch of the family tree could end with you. It can be a painful realization to find that your life was not as fruitful as you might have wanted. After all, what’s the point of having everything when you don’t have anyone to share it with? So, what should you do?

Acknowledge The Situation

The first step to solving any problem is to acknowledge that it even exists and that there’s a need to determine whether to fix it or accept it. The importance of being able to express these feelings is vital in being able to come up with a solution. Keeping these negative feelings inside is going to cause emotional distress and will ultimately break you down. Face your problems head-on.

Be Honest With Your Loved Ones

Your greatest support is going to come from your partner or your family. You won’t be able to count on that support if they don’t even know what’s going on. Make sure to share your feelings with them in a healthy, positive way. Challenges shouldn’t break bonds, but rather, strengthen them.

Join an Infertility Support Group

It’s also important to find people who are empathic of you, those who completely understand what you’re going through because they, too, are going through the same thing. By talking to those who are at all different stages of the infertility journey, you may find the support and stories of hope you’re looking for.

Seek Therapy

When none of the abovementioned tips work, then it’s time to seek professional help. Fertility counselors are trained to help you overcome the initial hurdles of infertility. They are able to provide clients with insight and offer sound advice. They are your best option if you’re unable to express your feelings in a healthy way.

Surrogacy

Once you’re over the initial hurdles and you’ve already accepted your situation, you may want to either remedy it or simply live with it. If you really want to give it a try, you can consider opting for surrogacy. It’s unconventional, but not as uncommon as you might think. It’s slowly becoming a more accepted method of growing a family. This surrogacy blog even illustrates the surrogacy process and provides stories and tips on what to expect.

Adoption

​If surrogacy isn’t the thing for you, then you can also consider adopting a child instead. You will be assessed by a social worker in your ability to exercise parental authority over the child, as well as other requirements such as being at least 16 years older than the adoptee. There are many children who are in need of a permanent home and this could be an opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child.