Egg donation may be a step too far for some couples and so the options may be to consider adoption or a future without your own genetic child. The decision to stop fertility treatment is never easy. After putting your life on hold for so long, many women find it hard to contemplate stopping treatment, and have almost forgotten what it feels like to lead a ‘normal’ existence – IVF has become an addiction. So much has been invested to get to this stage – physically, emotionally and financially. There may be a huge incentive to feel ‘just one more’ or ‘the next one could be the one’ somehow justifying past efforts and expense. Of course there are always the cases where IVF is successful after for example the 10th or 12th attempt, but as ever these are the cases which are publicised more widely; whereas couples who have not achieved their dream may not be so vocal.
Our specialist counsellors can help you to recognise that you may have gone as far as is right for you and to start to plan a positive way forward. This may be the time to learn to value yourself again, and to start to look forward with a positive attitude to new and exciting challenges in your life.