How to Support an Infertile Couple Information supplied by Waukesha Memorial Hospital With one in seven couples facing fertility problems, chances are that you know someone going through a time that can be as difficult emotionally as the experience of heart disease or cancer. If someone close to you is struggling with infertility, there are ways you can lend your support. Learn the facts. Infertility is a medical condition of the reproductive system, with causes equally divided between male problems, female problems and combination of both partners. These numerous medical conditions include fallopian tube damage, ovulation disorders, undescended testicles and other male factors. Infertility is not "in the head". Know what to say. Respond with sympathy. A simple statement that you are sorry to hear this news can be very supportive. Just as important, avoid statements such as "Take one of my kids, they're driving me crazy," or "You can always adopt." These are painfully dismissive of the experience. Be a good listener. Advice may be well meaning but usually it is unwelcome. Hold it unless you understand the depth of someone's experience and are asked for your opinion. Instead, ask questions and listen whole heartedly. Use available resources. To help someone struggling with infertility, you may want to understand the problem in greater depth. Online and print information is offered free from the non-profit group Resolve at www.resolve.org. Information supplied by Waukesha Memorial Hospital. Check out our message boards in Peer Perspectives. Back to Experts' Advice Legal Stuff You Should Know