Infertility is a deeply personal journey, often navigated in silence. But the truth is, it’s far more common than most people realize. Around one in six couples globally will face fertility challenges, a number that makes infertility not a rarity but a reality for many.

Still, the emotional weight of infertility is often unseen, marked by silent grief, strained relationships and isolation. But with growing research and compassion behind it, mindfulness is emerging as a meaningful source of support.

A heavy emotional load

For those experiencing infertility, the psychological impact is real and profound. Studies show that the distress of infertility can rival that of serious medical conditions like cancer or heart disease. Anxiety and depression are common, with feelings of shame, frustration and even guilt creeping into daily life. Social events like baby showers can be painfully triggering and casual conversations about children can feel like salt in a wound. It’s not just the body that undergoes intense treatment cycles, it's the heart and mind, too.

Dr. Riki Dayan, a fertility specialist at Olive Fertility Victoria, knows this all too well, both professionally and personally. She and her partner faced unexplained infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss. “We went through many cycles of disappointment, either not conceiving or learning that we had another early pregnancy loss,” she shares. “It was devastating to feel like we were 'doing everything right' and yet having such difficulty conceiving.”

She adds, “At times, we felt left behind as friends continued to grow their families with seeming ease.”

Eventually, Dr. Dayan conceived through IVF. Today, as a fertility expert, she brings her own lived experience to her work, committed to whole-person care that addresses not only the physical, but also the emotional weight of fertility treatment. “I feel grateful every day to be part of my patients’ family-building journeys,” she says.

The role of mindfulness

While stress alone doesn’t cause infertility, chronic stress can interfere with reproductive health and make the process even more overwhelming. That’s where mindfulness comes in.

“There is growing research that suggests mindfulness programs may help support individuals on their fertility journeys,” Dr. Dayan explains. “Our research is looking at the feasibility of a program to help support our patients achieve their goals of building their families.”

Together with Stephanie Curran, an acupuncturist and certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction instructor, Dr. Dayan co-conducted a study exploring the benefits of mindfulness for patients undergoing fertility treatment.

For Curran, mindfulness is more than a professional focus, it’s deeply personal. “After working in acupuncture and fertility support for 10 years, I found myself in the ironic situation of embarking on my own fertility journey,” she says.

At 35, Curran knew that something wasn’t right after six months of trying to conceive. Although she had a history of endometriosis, Curran was not expecting to be diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve  at age 35, the emotional impact hit hard. “Like most women who have always wanted children but yet find themselves unable to become pregnant, my heart hurts tremendously.”

Over three years, she used every tool in her professional toolbox: acupuncture, supplements, Chinese herbs and lifestyle changes. She also underwent assisted reproductive techniques, including surgery and two IVF cycles. Through it all, mindfulness was her anchor. “Mindfulness allowed me to navigate the emotional waves of my journey with more gentleness and grace,” she says.

Curran's holistic approach and perseverance paid off when she and her husband welcomed their daughter, Shae, in July 2012.

Finding peace in the storm

For many facing infertility, tools like mindfulness, acupuncture and support groups offer more than just coping strategies, they offer a path back to themselves. Techniques like breathwork, guided meditation, body scans and journaling can help individuals feel more grounded and less overwhelmed.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all way to cope,” says Dr. Dayan. “But what’s universal is the need for self-compassion and support.”

Whether you're just beginning your fertility journey or navigating treatment, remember you're not alone. Compassionate experts and evidence-based tools, like mindfulness, are here to help you move forward with confidence and grace.

Infertility can feel like a detour on the path to parenthood, but with the right support, it can also become a journey of resilience, healing and connection. Olive Fertility offers same-day, no-fee virtual referral appointments through Rocket Doctor. Referrals are automatically sent to Olive Fertility, ensuring a smooth next step in the process.