What infertile women want? A helping hand

New York, May 3 (IANS) Cook her a meal to help with household chores or say "I love you" to reassure her emotionally as infertile women need support, not unsolicited advice.

According to research, infertile women want support of all kinds - ranging from practical aid such as help with household chores, to advice and emotional reassurance.

"Infertility is a more prevalent issue than people realise. It affects one in six couples, and in almost all cases, women want more support than they are getting," said Keli Steuber, an assistant professor in communication studies at University of Iowa.

Lending her a helping hand could be as simple as cooking a meal or connecting your loved one to other women with whom she can share her feelings.

The study involved more than 300 women who were coping with infertility.

Couples who stick together through the infertility experience often have a stronger marital foundation moving forward.

"If you can find effective, supportive ways to communicate with each other, you are better equipped to handle stressors down the road," said Andrew High, an assistant professor in communication studies at University of Iowa.

The study appeared in the journal Communication Monographs.