TTC & Mental Health Survey: How Stress and Anxiety Impact Your Fertility Journey

If your TTC journey has felt like an emotional rollercoaster, you are not alone. 

In a new Mira survey, we asked members of our community how the TTC process has impacted their mental health — and the results highlight just how emotionally challenging the road to conception can be. 

Read on to learn:

• What our survey reveals about anxiety, uncertainty, stress, emotional triggers, and the relationship impact while TTC.

• How this survey compares to our 2022 survey on mental health and fertility.

• Practical strategies and techniques for safeguarding your mental health while trying to get pregnant.

What Our Survey Reveals About TTC and Mental Health

Anxiety and Uncertainty

Respondents expressed ongoing emotional distress while actively TTC. Common emotions included anxiety, sadness, and fear of never becoming a parent.

When asked about fertility-related anxiety, the majority (60%) reported they experience it ‘all the time’. 

The majority of respondents (over 82%) also reported feelings of uncertainty about the next steps when starting the TTC process. 

When asked to share a bit more about their emotional triggers, open-ended comments revealed recurring themes of isolation, guilt, and emotional fatigue. 

“I’m not a mother and it’s painful.”

“I feel sad that I may not ever get to be a mum.”

“It doesn’t feel fair how I have tried so hard to be a mom and some became a mom on accident or without any challenge.”

These responses reveal that fertility struggles are not only medical but deeply psychological — affecting daily mood, self-worth, and mental stability.

Hormonal Health & Stress

A number of participants also indicated they struggle with hormonal health issues that may be tied to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid imbalance, or irregular cycles. 

This can lead to stress, particularly around ovulation windows, two-week waits, negative test results, and doctor’s appointments.

“We have had a couple of chemical pregnancies and I feel like it will never happen for us.”

“Doctors would only push IVF without testing hormones and sperm test.”

Many respondents described feelings of emotional burnout, frustration, and a lack of energy.

Sources of Support

We also asked the community about whom they go to for support. The most common support systems included partners, close friends, and online fertility communities.

Some respondents indicated they don’t feel supported at all or struggle to find others who understand.

“Whenever someone contacts me directly and says to keep trying, I feel like they are taking pity on me. I should appreciate the encouragement and I know that, but it still makes me feel bad.”

“I feel dismissed by family for not having children of my own.”

Some respondents shared they only discuss fertility issues with their doctor. This emphasizes the crucial role that healthcare providers play in listening to patients, validating their TTC experiences, and providing access to emotional support. 

Emotional Triggers on Social Media

Respondents also shared how they feel when they see other women’s positive pregnancy tests and pregnancy announcements on social media. 

Common reactions included a mix of sadness, grief, jealousy, and shame. 

Despite the negative feelings, many respondents also expressed feelings of happiness and acknowledged the importance of letting others celebrate — highlighting the emotional complexity of the TTC journey in the age of social media. 

“I’m happy for them, miserable and ashamed for me.”

“I'm happy for them, but I also really want it to be me.”

“I can be happy and share their joy while also feeling incredibly upset for myself.”

“I am happy for them and at the same time it’s painful.”

Impact on Relationship

When asked about their marriage/relationship, over one-third (37%) of respondents reported that their fertility issues impact their relationship in a negative way.

On the other hand, nearly half (48%) of respondents admitted that fertility issues either had no impact or a positive impact on their relationship. This provides some reassurance for couples concerned about the potential impact that fertility challenges may have on their relationship. 

Then & Now: How TTC Mental Health Has Changed Over Time

We issued a similar survey back in 2022 — here’s how sentiments have changed over the past three years. 

Anxiety and Uncertainty

Constant anxiety appears to have declined slightly, going from 77% in 2022 to 60.2% in 2025. However, overall emotional strain related to fertility still remains high. 

Uncertainty about the TTC process remains a core challenge for couples, with only slight variation from 2022 to 2025. 

Impact on Relationship

Results suggest that fertility-related issues may be putting less of a strain on relationships, with more neutral and positive responses in 2025 compared to 2022. 

Additional 2025 Insights

In the 2025 survey, hormone health concerns — such as PCOS, fibroids, and cycle irregularity — were more widely reported. 

We also learned that:

• Stress is highest during ovulation, the two-week wait, and following negative pregnancy tests.

• Common support sources include partners, online groups, and select healthcare providers. However, it’s also common to still feel unsupported and/or isolated.

• Sharing positive test results is often done cautiously, especially after prior loss or infertility.

• Emotional responses to triggers (such as pregnancy announcements on social media and babies) can range from hope and joy to jealousy, sadness, and guilt. 

While many of the core emotional experiences remain consistent, improvement in certain areas (such as anxiety and relationship impact) suggests that open conversations, digital resources, and healthcare access may be softening some TTC-related challenges.  

Looking ahead, there is still a clear need for greater emotional support, transparency, and compassion in how fertility is discussed and supported. This includes at home, in communities, and in doctor’s offices. 

Why Fertility Challenges Affect Mental Health So Deeply

Starting a family is a life-long dream for many people, with the Pew Research Center estimating that over half (51%) of young adults in the US want to have children one day. 

However, the TTC process is not always straightforward. 

The truth is that: 

• 1 in 6 couples will struggle to conceive. 

• An estimated 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. 

• Among couples struggling to conceive, the underlying cause cannot be identified in 33% of cases. 

It’s only normal for these experiences to cause emotional distress, leading to feelings of: 

• Sadness and helplessness

• Uncertainty about the future

• Loneliness and feeling unseen/misunderstood

• Guilt for letting others down

It’s also worth noting the TTC process can take months and even years. Persistent emotional distress — caused by endless negative pregnancy tests, doctor’s appointments, and disappointment — can also lead to long-term mental health challenges, such as: 

• Anxiety and fear of never having children

• Depression and loss of purpose

• Grief for a future that does not meet lifelong goals or expectations

Without adequate mental health support, the TTC journey can shift from a hopeful pursuit to prolonged emotional turmoil. This underscores the need for a compassionate, holistic approach to health and wellness while TTC.

Coping With Fertility Anxiety, Sadness, and Uncertainty: How to Look After Your Mental Health While TTC

Set Gentle Boundaries

If you are struggling to conceive, it’s normal to feel a rush of emotion when you see pregnancy announcements, baby showers, and pictures/videos of babies. You may also feel emotionally triggered when people ask about your pregnancy plans or offer unsolicited advice. 

To protect your emotional well-being, it’s okay if you need to set some gentle boundaries for yourself. This can look like:

• Muting or unfollowing friends on social media who are currently pregnant or who have recently had children.

• Muting or unfollowing brands/influencers on social media that promote unhelpful or insensitive TTC content. 

• Redirecting conversations about your pregnancy plans by saying, “Thanks for checking in, but I’m keeping my pregnancy planning private.”

Build Your Circle of Support

Having a positive support network is essential for your well-being while TTC. It’s normal to want to keep certain information private, but that doesn’t mean you have to be isolated. 

In addition to your partner, primary care doctor/fertility specialist, and trusted friends/family members, you may also be able to find emotional support in the following places:

• In-person fertility support groups — check with local charities, community centers, and health providers in your area. 

• Online TTC forums and support groups — such as Mira’s Fertility Club on Facebook. 

• Professional counselors, therapists, and coaches with experience in navigating fertility challenges. 

Practice Mindfulness and Self-Compassion

Mindfulness is a cognitive skill that involves maintaining an awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations in the present moment. This feeling of being ‘in tune’ or ‘connected’ with your mind and body can help you:

• Feel more in control. 

• Find joy in everyday life.

• Identify, interrupt, and overcome negative thought patterns.

If you’re new to mindfulness, the following techniques can help (and they only take as little as 5-10 minutes): 

• Follow a guided breathing exercise. This helps to slow down your heart rate while also improving mood and emotional regulation. 

• Follow a body scan exercise. This helps relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation. 

• Start journaling your thoughts. This can help you process your emotions and gain a sense of self-awareness. 

Allow Space for Grief

The struggle to conceive can feel like an ‘invisible’ loss. You may be sad but also feel pressured by your doctor or partner to stay positive and hopeful. At the same time, you may not feel like you’ve ‘suffered’ enough to justify taking time to grieve. 

It’s important to recognize, though, that the pain and loss you are experiencing is legitimate. It’s normal to feel as if you’ve lost:

• Control over your life and future.

• The dream of being a parent to biological children.

• Your identity and self-worth.

By giving yourself permission to acknowledge and feel your grief, you can begin to:

• Process your thoughts and feelings.

• Feel more in control over your emotions.

• Heal and move forward.

Grief looks different for everyone. However, the following techniques can help you begin to process your feelings: 

• Open up to your partner or trusted friend/family member about how you’re feeling.

• Express your emotions in a journal or piece of art.

• Honor your loss by lighting a candle, planting a tree, or creating an ornament or piece of jewelry.

• Speak with a counselor or therapist who specializes in grief and/or fertility struggles. 

Remember — grief doesn’t just ‘go away’, but it does get easier to handle as we grow around it. 

Focus on What You Can Control

When life starts to feel overwhelming, it’s important to keep your focus on what you can control instead of what you can’t control. This includes:

• Tracking your menstrual cycle to maximize your chances of conception — the Mira App, BBT Thermometer, and Hormone Monitor can help you do this.  

• Taking good care of yourself by eating a nutrient-rich diet, exercising regularly, taking time to relax, getting plenty of sleep, and attending your doctor’s appointments. 

• Setting healthy boundaries to avoid emotionally triggering conversations and content. 

Strengthening Your Partnership While TTC

It’s normal for couples to experience a range of emotions throughout the TTC process — from excitement and hope to fear, sadness, and disappointment. Your emotions may not always be in sync, but it’s still important to communicate effectively and prioritize your relationship. 

Here are a few practical tips to bear in mind: 

• Check in with each other regularly, keeping the focus on listening and not problem-solving. 

• Share the mental load by managing appointments, tracking cycles, and doing research together or assigning responsibilities. 

• Set healthy boundaries together by agreeing on what you will and won’t discuss with family, friends, and colleagues. 

• Plan joyful, non-TTC activities together — such as date nights, getaways, and hobbies that do not revolve around fertility. 

• Reach out for support from a couples counselor, mentor, or coach if your emotions become overwhelming, or if you feel like you can't stop arguing. 

When to Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, the emotional toll of the TTC process can be too difficult to manage alone. Here are a few signs that you may need some extra support:

• You’re struggling to manage your day-to-day life and responsibilities.

• You’ve experienced noticeable changes in your appetite, weight, and sleep patterns.

• Your favorite activities and hobbies no longer bring joy.

• You have persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, shame, or anger.

• You cannot control intrusive thoughts.

If any of these signs sound familiar, you should seek professional advice straight away from your doctor, counselor, or therapist. 

Your TTC Journey Matters

The road to parenthood is a profound life journey. If your road has felt bumpy, scary, and hopeless — know that you are not alone and your TTC journey matters.

Fertility struggles are more common than you may think and support is available. 

If you are in emotional distress and need to speak with someone immediately, please consider reaching out to helplines in your region. 

• USA — Call 988 Lifeline

• Canada — Call 988 Crisis Helpline

• UK — Contact Mind, Samaritans, or Shout

• Australia — Call Lifeline on 13 11 14

You may also find the following charities and support groups helpful during your TTC journey: 

• Resolve

• Fertility Network UK

• The Bump Infertility Forum

• Mira Fertility Club 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will stress impact my fertility?

While stress does not directly cause infertility, it can make it more difficult to conceive. This is because stress can lead to hormone imbalance, decreased libido, and a weakened immune system. 

Can stress delay ovulation?

Yes. Chronic stress can lead to ovulatory dysfunction, delaying ovulation in some cases.

I can’t conceive, what should I do if I have trouble falling pregnant?

If you are struggling to conceive, you should make an appointment with your doctor if you have been actively TTC for at least 12 months without success (if under age 35) or at least six months (if over age 35).

Your doctor will be able to assess your situation, run further testing, and provide tailored guidance on how to plan a pregnancy based on your medical history.