The author focuses on psychological coping rather than medical details. She defines infertility timelines (12 months under 35, 6 months over 35) and suggests early steps like ovulation monitoring, limited testing, and semen analysis, ideally with insurance checks. Readers are encouraged to seek selective support from friends or a therapist while gathering information without committing to treatments.

Pregnancy loss is reframed as a family loss, not a minor setback. The chapter outlines medical self-care after loss, normalizes anger, sadness, shame, and guilt, and prepares readers for well‑meant but hurtful remarks. It urges reducing isolation via trusted confidants, counselors, or support groups, and covers logistics about when to try again and the limited role of genetic testing after a first loss.

For evaluation and treatment, the author recommends working with a Reproductive Endocrinologist and reminds readers that a workup is not a commitment to interventions. Middle‑stage coping addresses the burdens of drugs, IUIs, surgery, or IVF, urging robust emotional support, stress‑management (meditation, yoga, exercise, acupuncture), and cautious use of online communities. Specific resources (RESOLVE, Creating a Family) and moderation concerns are noted.

Pregnancy after infertility often brings disbelief and fear. The chapter advises continuity of care when shifting to OB providers, outlines a patient bill of rights (legitimizing anxiety, permitting extra monitoring, delaying announcements and preparations, and seeking broad support), and suggests psychotherapy, guided imagery, affirmations, and clear monitoring plans to manage uncertainty, especially outside the comparatively easier mid‑trimester.

When considering stopping treatment, readers are encouraged to separate pausing from choosing an alternative, consider donor gametes or surrogacy if acceptable, and otherwise explore adoption or living childfree. The chapter offers couple dialogues, sabbaticals from trying, extended medical consultations, and second opinions tailored to near‑term choices. Values clarification questions and structured grief work (including concrete exercises and sensory rituals) help transform diffuse sorrow into processed grief, making it easier to decide to stop, pivot to alternatives, or continue briefly with clearer boundaries.