One of the most counterintuitive truths about infertility: the struggle against it often makes it worse. Acceptance — clearly misunderstood — is one of the most powerful tools available.
What Acceptance of Infertility Actually Means
Acceptance does NOT mean:
- Liking or approving of infertility
- Giving up on getting better
- Thinking infertility is okay
Acceptance DOES mean:
- Acknowledging infertility without adding unnecessary struggle against the fact of its existence
- Allowing infertility to be present without fighting it into bigger problems
- Making room for infertility while still living your values
The ACT Approach to Infertility
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance as a core tool: instead of fighting infertility, you learn to make room for it while committing to valued action regardless.
The Paradox of Accepting Infertility
Many people find that when they stop fighting infertility and simply allow it, it loses intensity. The suffering of infertility is partly the struggle against it.