If you have tried to conceive and haven't succeeded, you may feel discouraged. The negative pregnancy tests and months without a pregnancy can take a toll. Often, infertility can impact your professional, personal, and emotional wellbeing. Though most couples eventually achieve their goal of parenthood, you may experience some bumps along the way. These tips can help you handle the ups and downs of fertility treatment.

Be informed

Receiving an infertility diagnosis can leave you feeling devastated. Take back some of your power by asking questions, reading up on your condition, and following the latest advancements. A word of caution: make sure you utilize credible sources. Anyone can create a Web site and populate it with content, so check with your physician to find reputable resources.

Explore your options

If you have tried traditional options, such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF), but haven't had success, talk with your doctor about less conventional treatments. Using donor eggs and/or sperm or considering a gestational carrier may provide the path that leads to the family you have been wanting.

Focus on your relationship

When couples are committed to having a baby, this goal can monopolize their time. As well, infertility can strain a relationship and cause the individuals to pull away from each other. Be honest with your partner and take the time to share your feelings. Although you may not be able to forget about your efforts to become pregnant, schedule a date night or overnight trip; then, ban any talk of baby-making so that you can spend quality time together.

Go easy on yourself

During this difficult time, prioritize self-care. Get plenty of rest, eat right, and make time for the things you love. Indulge in a soothing bath, plant flowers or curl up with a good book. Taking your mind off the situation will improve your perspective.

Give back

Infertility and your attempts to become pregnant can consume your whole life if you let it. Wanting to have a child is a noble cause, but you don't want to focus on that alone. Consider donating your time and efforts to a local charity, which will give you a positive outlet for your energy and will make a difference to those in need.

Seek out support

Though friends and family mean well, they may not understand your struggles with infertility. Check with your doctor's office, or through national organizations like RESOLVE, to find support groups in your area. Often, sharing your thoughts and feelings with other people in similar situations can make all the difference.