Addressing the emotional toll of infertility

In an interview with Contemporary OB/GYN, Lucky Sekhon, MD, fertility specialist at RMA of New York, and Olympic gold medalist Tara Lipinski emphasized the emotional toll of fertility struggles and the importance of education, empathy, and community support throughout treatment.

Sekhon explained that infertility is both a physical and psychological challenge, often marked by anxiety, depression, grief, and a profound loss of control. She noted that the emotional strain is intensified by the long, uncertain nature of fertility treatments, which can feel like a marathon of waiting and disappointment. According to Sekhon, the most common reason patients discontinue treatment before achieving success is psychological burnout, underscoring the critical role of mental health support in fertility care.

Lipinski shared her personal seven-year journey with infertility, describing it as more difficult than the rigorous training she endured to become an Olympic champion. Despite ultimately becoming a mother through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and surrogacy, she recalled years of repeated setbacks, loss, and emotional exhaustion. For her, mental resilience and access to supportive resources have been vital. She praised Fertility Out Loud, a platform dedicated to education and emotional support for individuals and couples facing infertility, as a life-changing resource.

Sekhon stressed that compassionate doctor–patient communication is the cornerstone of effective care. Patients often feel unseen or treated like numbers, especially when overwhelmed by the technical jargon and complexities of IVF. She highlighted the need for physicians not only to educate but also to guide patients toward reliable, evidence-based resources. In an era where misinformation is common online, she views Fertility Out Loud as a trusted, comprehensive platform that complements medical care by providing vetted information and emotional support.

Lipinski echoed this sentiment, noting that early in her journey she felt isolated and relied on late-night internet searches that often left her more anxious. She emphasized that even with strong personal support systems, friends and family may struggle to understand the unique grief and uncertainty of infertility. Community-based platforms, she said, help patients feel seen, validated, and less alone.

Sekhon concluded that community is essential to emotional survival in infertility treatment. Safe, moderated spaces—such as Fertility Out Loud—allow patients to connect, share, and find understanding without fear of judgment. Together, Sekhon and Lipinski advocated for a holistic approach to infertility that integrates mental health, education, empathy, and community as fundamental components of care.

Disclosure: Ares Trading SA

Reference

Your go-to guide on the path to parenthood. Fertility Out Loud. Accessed October 28, 2025. https://www.fertilityoutloud.com/.