Strategies for Coping with IF      Trying to find ways to cope? Here are a some ways to handle the stress and strain of infertiltiy. Don't blame yourself. Infertility is a medical condition, not a sexual disorder. Educate yourself through books, medical journals, websites, health care professionals and others dealing with similar problems. Think of your doctor, your spouse and yourself as a team. Pair up with them to learn and understand what is going on with your body, treatment and medicines. Find a support system. Whether it be online such as this group, in person with other women or couples dealing with fertility issues, your family and friends or professionals, it is very important to feel supported and acknowledged on how you're feeling and coping with infertility. If you don't feel up to going to baby related activities, don't go. Give yourself permission to avoid them in order to cope. You don't have to explain yourself to anyone. Set a timeline for yourself  before deciding to move on to more invasive treatments, surgeries, adoption or deciding to live childfree. Be optimistic, realistic and have hope! Keep a postitive attitude and be in the right mindset to move forward and continue trying to achieve your pregnancy and parenting goals. Keep up to date with technology and treatments. Take time out for yourself away from IF talk, trying to concieve and treatments. Find other activities that bring you pleasure from time to time. Try to avoid those all consuming thoughts of  why, how, when and what if's.