Fact Sheet Series

Sex, Relationships and Infertility Fact Sheet 14

by Susan Cooper, EdD

THE SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP having a positive self-image as a man or as a woman. When self-images are damaged by infertility and depres- A couple’s sexual relationship is often the area of their sion saps , the convergence of these factors can life that is most negatively affected by infertility. Love- lead to a couple’s poor sexual relationship. making, once a warm loving, intimate and physically pleasurable experience, becomes a dreaded chore—a Mid-cycle Conflict means to an end that continues to result in failure. To Couples often manage to have their worst fights, perhaps make matters worse, sex often becomes the battleground unconsciously, around the middle of the menstrual cycle. in which a couple’s fears, anxieties and depression are Anger can serve a useful purpose—it can prevent the played out. There are many reasons why a couple’s sex- dreaded intercourse. When partners are angry at each ual relationship is so adversely affected by infertility, and other, they don’t feel like being sexual. And if a couple since sex is usually considered a private matter, this is doesn’t have sex during their fertile time, they probably rarely talked about. won’t feel like a failure when conception doesn’t occur. Surprisingly enough, couples will sometimes uncon- Depression and Loss of Libido sciously sacrifice a month of trying for the relief they feel For many infertile people, depression is the one emo- at not having failed. tional state that permeates all others. Even when there is a reason to be hopeful about achieving a , this Scrutinized Sex hope is usually coupled with depression. And one of the Another factor which further contributes to a couple’s clinical manifestations of depression is loss of libido. sexual decline is that infertility takes the privacy out of When people are depressed, they do not usually like be- sexuality. Despite the , men and ing sexual. women rarely discuss their sex lives with anyone other than their partner, and sometimes not even with him or her. Perhaps it is the fact that sex is secretive that makes Infertility deals a severe blow to both men’s and it more exciting. Our , and hence enjoy- women’s identities. In fact, their sense of themselves as ment, is somewhat dependent upon sex remaining be- sexual people becomes distorted as their ability to pro- hind closed doors. create is called into question. Men often feel emascu- lated as a result of infertility, particularly if there is a male The infertility workup by its very nature necessitates that factor involved. Women feel unfeminine, damaged and a couple’s sex life is up for scrutiny. Doctors need to defective. Sex comes to mean failure—failure to con- know when a couple has had intercourse, how often they ceive and therefore failure to be a “real man” or a “real had intercourse and sometimes in what position they had woman.” These negative distortions become magnified intercourse. Physicians ask detailed questions about sex- as infertility progresses, and often get generalized so that ual performance in an effort to ascertain whether their one’s self-esteem is affected. Infertile men and women infertility results from a or from a can easily feel worthless as people. structural or physiological problem.

The ability to enjoy sex presupposes the ability to take Diagnostic tests, such as the postcoital (PK) test, mag- pleasure in one’s body, which, in turn, is dependent upon nify feelings of invasion about one’s sexuality. Couples RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association www.resolve.org must have intercourse for the purpose of learning erase the pain; one must go through it in order to come whether the sperm can live in the woman’s cervical envi- out of it. Yet, I can say from both personal and profes- ronment; the woman must visit her doctor’s office a few sional experience that there are some things that couples hours after she has had sexual relations. Couples often can do—ways of being with each other—that can ease feel their physician is literally in the bedroom with them the pain of infertility as well as minimize the couple’s watching their performance. sexual problems and, in the long run, enrich their rela- tionship. Structured Sex Infertility takes the spontaneity out of sex. Attempting Most importantly, couples must talk to each other about to conceive means having sex on the right days—often their fears, worries, sadness, anger and any other feelings every other day during the middle of the month. The related to their infertility. For men who have been man must be able maintain an and reach or- taught not to express their feelings, this can be especially gasm. The woman only has to be a receptacle for his difficult. Yet people feel less depressed, and hence more sperm. Sometimes women are given advice about lying sexual, when they can express their emotions. It is im- in certain positions, or remaining flat on their back for portant to be honest with oneself about the source of 20 minutes after occurs. Sex resembles a one’s feelings. For example, a fight about whose turn it clinical procedure rather than a loving, passionate act is to do the dishes might stem more from anger over between husband and wife. infertility than from frustration about getting housework done. Performance The anxiety and tension that surround infertility often It is also important for partners to remind themselves, build to such a degree that “successful” intercourse can- and each other, that infertility should not determine not take place. Men feel anxious about having to per- one’s self-worth or one’s sexuality. Being a “real man” form. Women feel anxious that their husbands will not has about as much to do with the quality of his semen as be able to perform. Men may feel rejected, believing that it does with whether or not he eats quiche. Likewise, their wives want a baby more than they want their hus- being a “real woman” is simply not related to her ability band. And women often begin to wonder whether their to bear children. Though it may be difficult to harness husbands really want a child, since they seem so disinter- the energy, men and women should continue the same ested in sex. kinds of behaviors that made them feel sexual before their infertility, whether it be dressing in a certain way, The fights that so frequently occur during infertility are sharing a romantic dinner or going dancing. It is espe- often a result of the enormous stress and ongoing pres- cially important to exercise, eat properly, get enough sure to produce a child. Sex on demand is usually not sleep and in general keep one’s body in good shape. The fun, and both partners often just “want to get it over healthier one is, the better (and more sexual) he/she will with.” Women can feel resentful when they don’t reach feel. or even get sexually aroused, believing that their partner is enjoying the physical pleasure while they (the Because of all the factors previously discussed, sex is women) are not. Partners may get irritated with each rarely enjoyable for the infertile couple, and they should other if they are taking too long to reach orgasm. Men be reassured that their negative sexual experiences are can get annoyed if they feel their partner is merely “lying normal. Sex on demand, for the purpose of procreating, there” and not participating in the sex act, or if the men and sex for pleasure are two very different phenomena. sense their partner cannot wait to “get it over with.” It usually helps to think of mid-cycle sex as work—a job Infertility can cause men who have never been impotent that must be done in order to reach a desired goal. This to have difficulty maintaining an erection or reaching is a time when a couple can reaffirm their love for one orgasm. Women become understandably frustrated another and their commitment to work on expanding when this occurs, yet their frustration only increases the their family. Their feelings can be expressed tenderly tension. And when anger builds up without being ex- and lovingly even though deep sexual passion may be pressed, couples either withdraw from each other emo- missing. Partners need to be understanding of the pres- tionally and sexually or they have an unproductive fight. sures each of them feels about performance and be pa- Neither way is conducive to the well-being of a relation- tient, not critical of one another. Getting angry at a man ship. who is temporarily impotent only makes matters worse. If orgasm is not achieved, the couple should take a few Reversing the Trend hours or a day off and try again. When orgasm is Infertility, particularly if it is long-term, is probably one achieved, they can congratulate themselves, even if it of the most difficult times in a couples’ life. Nothing can wasn’t the sexual experience of the century.

RESOLVE Fact Sheet Series 2 All Rights Reserved study published in 1987, based on interviews with 22 If their emotions can stand it, reserving some time dur- infertile couples, found that the majority of them experi- ing the non-fertile part of the month—even once is enced unsatisfactory sex lives, yet they experienced in- enough—for recreational sex can be extremely rewarding creased closeness in their . The authors con- for the infertile couple. Sex, then, is no longer viewed clude that “infertility deprives couples of one resource solely as a means to an end. Sometimes, however, even for intimacy, ie., enjoyable sex, but supplies them with the thought of sex when it is not “necessary” seems in- another, the enhanced communication that comes from tolerable. But couples do not need to have intercourse facing a problem together.” to enjoy sexual feelings. Gentle caressing, massaging, necking, petting or even mutual , are all In conclusion, I am remembering that the Chinese have ways that couples can give and receive sexual pleasure two definitions for the word “crisis”: danger and oppor- without having to engage in intercourse. tunity. Although infertility is not dangerous in the sense of being life-threatening, the emotional pain that accom- In working with fertile and infertile couples over the panies it can be threatening to one’s marital and sexual years, I have come to discover that sex often has differ- relationship. Yet the opportunity for increased intimacy ent meanings for men and women. Men tend to “need” and growth is profound. If we avail ourselves of this sex in order to feel loved. It may be the primary way in opportunity we will have discovered the silver lining be- which they feel needed and desired by their partner. Sex, hind the dark cloud of infertility. to many men, feels essential to the maintenance of their relationship. If sex is infrequent or missing, they feel KEEPING YOUR RELATIONSHIP/MAR- empty and rejected as a man. Women, on the other RIAGE STRONG DURING INFERTILITY hand, tend to experience sex as a means by which they How to Nurture Your Relationship mutually reinforce the love that has already been ex- Having a roommate can be difficult; having a life partner pressed in other ways. It is the dessert that enhances a is much harder. Two people with many differences must delicious meal, but that dessert is not necessary in order negotiate a shared lifestyle which encompasses the best to feel sated. Thus while women may desire sex when of each of them, but in which their individual differences they are feeling particularly close to their mate, men may can flourish. Rare is the couple who simply falls in love desire it most when they are feeling more distant and and lives happily ever after. With love and commitment want to be closer—perhaps after a fight. as a foundation, good relationships and marriages are maintained through hard work, struggle, understanding, It is especially important to pay attention to these differ- and compromise. ences when a couple is infertile. If the woman feels un- able to participate in sex, sometimes talking about her When crises occur, even strong relationships are shaken. reluctance helps, particularly if she is able to communi- Life is disrupted, albeit temporarily. Most crises affect cate her love and commitment to her partner. Initiating one partner more than the other, such as job loss, an sex on another occasion, when she feels a little desire, accident, serious illness or death of a family member. In can also send a loving message to her mate. A man, in the best of circumstances the crisis is short-lived, the less turn, often feels better knowing that his partner’s disin- affected person becomes a major source of support for terest in lovemaking does not mean that she is rejecting his/her partner, and the couple, coping together, survive him. the storm, heal and get on with their lives.

The bad news is that an infertile couple will probably Infertility, a major life crisis in the life of a couple, is dif- never regain the sex life they once had, unless they de- ferent in many ways from other critical situations. For cide to remain childfree. Even then, it will probably be a many it is a prolonged ordeal usurping months and long while before sex is no longer associated with infer- probably years from their lives. The resolution is uncer- tility. When couples, fertile and infertile, go on to have a tain, and the end may not be in sight for a very long child by birth or adoption, the sexual freedom and spon- time. Infertility touches feelings that are at the core of taneity they once had fades into the past. Couples par- the self - feelings about one’s masculinity/femininity, enting after infertility can certainly derive great pleasure sexuality, and self-worth. Finally, the inability to bear a from their sexual relationship, but it may always be a biological child often feels like a loss of oneself; a sense reminder of their infertility. of defectiveness and emptiness is always lurking.

The good news is that while infertility may deprive a These omnipresent feelings and issues are the emotional couple of an enjoyable sexual relationship, it can also reality for infertile men and women, forming the back- provide an opportunity for them to become closer. A drop for their relationship. Keeping one’s relationship

RESOLVE Fact Sheet Series 3 All Rights Reserved strong under these circumstances is especially challeng- consumed with desire for a child and not for him. Each ing. It involves hard work, but the gains, which include a feels sad and lonely, even though these feelings have deeper commitment and connection to one’s mate, are different roots. well worth it. First, it is important to understand the ways in which During the course of their infertility, most couples are men and women, in large part due to socialization, deal called upon to make decisions relative to their treatment differently with their emotions and with stress in their or to a resolution. Some decisions are straightforward lives. Although men’s and women’s roles have changed and easy to make, but others that involve the use of fer- enormously in the last 20 years and will continue to do tility drugs, surgery, assisted reproductive technologies so, there are certain generalizations that can still be (ART) or alternatives to biological parenthood are more made. Men grow up learning to be “strong” and complicated and more anxiety provoking. Decisions “tough,” caretakers of women, which often means not must also be made about what and whom to tell. When expressing sadness or feelings of vulnerability. They couples disagree, and invariably they do about some is- learn to be independent, autonomous, not to need any- sues, the tension that is already present in their relation- one else. Women, on the other hand, learn at a young ship can be exacerbated. age how to relate to other people and to form deep at- tachments. They learn that it is okay to express vulner- Yet, despite these difficult circumstances, there are ability and to reach out to and depend on others. things that can be done to help marriages flourish. Here is some advice and guidance. When a couple faces the crisis of infertility, these gender- • The key ingredient is nurturing. It is essential to related differences become more pronounced and can nurture your relationship. Consider it even more create a wedge between them. The process usually oc- important than the child you wish to have. Children curs in the following way. Men begin to feel helpless usually remain at home about 18 years; most mar- and frustrated about not being able to make their female riages that endure last far longer. And relationships, partner feel better. The usual ways of helping—presents, like children, flourish when there is an abundance of indulgence, reassurance, etc., don’t work. It becomes love, caretaking, attention and consideration. intolerable for them to see their partner cry, to witness • It is important to stay connected to each other. their pain and not be able to assuage it. Furthermore, Make sure you spend time discussing matters other they are burdened by their own sadness, which is often than infertility. Do set up regular times, however, to unacknowledged and which makes them less emotionally talk about infertility. Share your emotional re- available. As a result, they tend to withdraw rather than sponses (which may be constantly changing), and express feelings of inadequacy or defeat. Sometimes, when it is necessary to make decisions relative to though perhaps unconsciously, they may feel angry with treatment, use that time to discuss those options. their wives for being “weak.” In fact, they are worried, Minimally, arrange weekly meetings in which you afraid their partner will collapse emotionally, and that “check in” with your partner. Each of you can take their infertility will do them in. a turn talking about your feelings, concerns and preferences about treatment. In making decisions, Women, on the other hand, feel increasingly disap- be sure to listen to each other in a non-judgmental pointed in their male partners’ lack of comfort or con- way without trying to change the other’s mind. Try cern. They feel angry for not getting the support and to set aside your own feelings for the moment in or- attention they crave. They believe that their partners just der to understand your partner’s position. When don’t understand them, and they feel rejected. Even each of you feels fully understood, then you can ne- worse, they may feel their partners are not particularly gotiate more easily and make decisions with which interested in having a child, that perhaps they will call it you both feel comfortable. quits. Gradually both partners become emotionally es- If a particular month is especially stressful, per- tranged from one another, each suffering from feelings haps due to an IVF cycle, a poor semen analysis, of loneliness and isolation, in addition to the pain of in- etc., then “check in” with each other more often - fertility. daily if necessary! It is also important when your pe- riod comes, to acknowledge together the sadness In general, women feel the loss associated with infertility and disappointment you feel. If possible, plan a spe- sooner than their partners do. But while the female ex- cial treat for yourselves at that time. periences the emptiness and loss of not having a baby, • Be open about your feelings on an ongoing ba- the male experiences the loss of not having a female sis, in addition to regular meetings in which you set partner! Though she has not left him physically, he feels aside time to talk. If you are having a bad day, it emotionally abandoned by his mate, who appears to be may help to announce before dinner that you’re feel- RESOLVE Fact Sheet Series 4 All Rights Reserved ing particularly discouraged about your infertility. Using this rating system allows couples to commu- You don’t have to talk any further about it at that nicate more accurately, setting the stage for realistic point, but making the statement helps clear the air negotiations. In summary, the nature of the infertil- and lets your partner know why you may be more ity crisis, coupled with the usual roles that men and withdrawn that evening. women assume, often leads to estrangement and dis- If you don’t share your feelings, your partner connection in a . However, when couples will be forced to make assumptions that may or may nurture their relationship and stay emotionally con- not be true. For example, don’t assume that your nected to each other by communicating regularly male partner, who saw you cry two days ago when about their feelings and preferences, their marriage you got your period, knows that you’re still upset will be strengthened. about it. Conversely, it is important not to assume that because your female partner kissed you goodbye A Healthy Disagreement is Theraputic this morning, went to work, came home, and made A common misconception among couples is that in or- dinner she is no longer feeling depressed! der to stay connected and to have a strong relationship, • State your wishes to your partner. Even the most they must not fight. Adherence to this belief can have sensitive and perceptive people are not mind read- disastrous results and can achieve the opposite of what is ers. Sometimes people make the erroneous assump- intended. tion that if their partner really loves them, they will know what they are feeling and act accordingly. It is difficult to imagine a close relationship in which Rather than hoping that your partner will figure out there are no disagreements. Relationships remain vital what you really want or reluctantly agreeing to a when each individual maintains his or her separate iden- treatment or alternative that you are not ready to ac- tity within the context of the relationship. Although cept, state your viewpoint clearly and propose an al- there must be a large enough overlap of values, beliefs ternative solution. For example, perhaps you have and interests to form a foundation for the partnership, agreed to begin donor inseminations but are having each person must contribute additional input, or the rela- second thoughts because you have only tried in- tionship inevitably stagnates. When individuals are dif- semination with your partner’s sperm three times. ferent, it is logical that they have disagreements from You might say, “I don’t feel we tried hard enough to time to time. A healthy fight is usually therapeutic. It have a biological child, and I’m not ready to accept can clear the air and resolve the tension that has been donor just yet. After three more building. For many couples, however, fighting is a scary months of inseminations, then I’ll be ready to move prospect. They never learned constructive ways to ex- on to that alternative.” press their negative feelings. If feelings or wishes are not expressed, couples can harbor resentments and may end up fighting If this is true for you, one reason could be that your par- about trivial matters, while the underlying issues (in- ents had taboos against expressing anger when you were fertility) do not get addressed. For example, a fight children. You may have learned at a young age that it is about the dishes that begins in the following way, not safe to get angry. You may have never witnessed an “You said you would do the dishes tonight, and I’m argument between your parents or anyone that was re- furious that you just got up from the table and solved in a productive or meaningful way. As children, turned on the TV,” may more accurately be trans- you may have experienced the “silent treatment” if you lated, “You promised to go to the doctor with me dared get mad. today, and I feel very hurt that you didn’t come.” When feelings and preferences are expressed hon- Or perhaps you or your partner came from a family in estly, then couples can negotiate, make necessary which anger equaled violence. In that case you learned compromises, but, most importantly, they can take that expressing negative feelings means being out of con- each other’s needs into consideration. trol. You may have been physically or emotionally Sometimes it helps to use a numerical rating sys- abused or witnessed the abuse of a parent or siblings. If tem as a way of making your needs quite clear. Use you grew up in such a situation, it is essential to let your a 10 point scale, 10 referring to “very strong,” 5 “av- spouse know. You need reassurance from him/her that erage,” and 1 “ minimal.” You can then say, “Com- getting angry will not result in either rejection or abuse. ing to the doctor with me is a 6, joining a couple’s support group is an 8, etc.” Or you can let your It is especially important to fight fairly so that each per- mate know the extent of your feelings by saying, son feels respected, undiminished and understood. The “Right now, I’m a 9 on the depression scale, so following guidelines should help. please try to be as understanding as possible today.” • Don’t let negative feelings build up for so long

RESOLVE Fact Sheet Series 5 All Rights Reserved that they come out in an explosion. Deal with infertility need not stop you from expressing feelings each incident separately. Listing several complaints of closeness and love to each other. Warm hugs and at once will undoubtedly make your spouse feel kisses, a deep massage, snuggling in bed are all ways threatened and respond defensively. to express closeness. In addition, make sure you tell • Set aside a time to fight. Don’t fight when you each other verbally how important he/she is to you. are in the middle of something else, or when your partner is putting on his/her coat and is late for an Your Sense of Self important meeting. Your goal is to get your part- Infertility not only takes a toll on a couple’s sex life, but ner’s undivided attention so that your concerns will it also affects their sense of themselves as sexual people. be heard. Infertile men and women each suffer from feelings of • Make “I” statements rather than accusations inadequacy, defectiveness and . If the infertility about the other person. Tell your partner what ef- problem seems to reside primarily in one partner, then fect his/her behavior has on you and how it makes that person is likely to feel particularly damaged as a man you feel. For example, instead of saying, “You or woman. never listen to me when I bring up the topic of adoption,” say “When I bring up the topic of adop- Men tend to equate virility with fertility. Infertile men tion and you turn your head away from me, I get often feel impotent and unmasculine. Women tend to worried that you’ll never agree to it. It makes me associate fertility with the ability to nurture. Infertile afraid to talk about our infertility.” women often feel unfeminine and unlovable. Talk to • Be specific about bothersome behaviors—no each other about these feelings; it will lessen the shame name calling or global indictments. Instead of a and reduce the pain. Reassure your partner that you still verbal attack like, “Only a lousy husband like you find him/her sexy. When your infertility is resolved, you wouldn’t go to doctor’s appointments with me,” say, can work on improving your sex life. “I’ve been getting more and more hurt and angry each time you don’t come with me to the doctor’s For now, remember that the quality of your sex life dur- appointments.” ing infertility has nothing to do with your masculinity, femininity or intrinsic sexuality. • Probably the best way to minimize the number

of fights you have is to reinforce your partner’s If you are determined to become parents, either biologi- positive, loving behaviors. Everyone gives and re- cally or through adoption, then take advantage of the ceives love differently. Each of you probably has a extra time and money that you have now. Even though repertoire of behaviors that you developed to please “the grass is always greener in the other person’s yard,” your partner. You also have a repertoire of actions and you would gladly trade your trip to Europe and lei- and interactions that come more naturally—you may surely showers for a couple of screaming kids in dirty not even think about them—that may signal to your diapers, remember that parenthood is not always bliss. partner how important he/she is to you. Let your All parents feel like trading their kids in periodically for a partner know when you truly appreciate something lot less than a trip to Europe. Enjoy what you have. Go that was said or done. Share everything that he/she out for dinner. Take trips. Buy the leather jacket you’ve does that makes you feel special and loved. Let your desired. Treat yourself to a massage. Learn to play partner know what you do that is an expression of bridge. Take the gourmet cooking course you’ve thought your love. Don’t be surprised if the lists are differ- about. Do special things for your partner and for your- ent. Seemingly small acts that come naturally to you self that you won’t have time to do after you become may be most important to your partner; what you parents. work hard at remembering to do, may, in fact, be

unimportant to him/her. Use your new knowledge Talk together about your future—plan ahead and dream. to do more of what makes your mate feel loved. Your infertility has been an unwelcome interruption in • Make sure you find ways to be intimate with your life, and you have undoubtedly put some things off. each other. Intimacy can refer to either physical or Try not to put your life on hold, however. Think about emotional closeness, or both, as in lovemaking. the other goals you have besides having a child. If you Many couples acknowledge that one of their deepest decide to go back to graduate school and a baby comes regrets regarding infertility is its negative effect on along, you will manage. their sex lives. Making love, often the most pleasur- able and intimate aspect of their relationship, can Find Support become a chore to be avoided if possible. Although Consider joining a RESOLVE support group. (Contact sex for pleasure (as opposed to sex for procreation) your local RESOLVE for more information; visit may have to be put on the back burner for awhile, RESOLVE Fact Sheet Series 6 All Rights Reserved www.resolve.org.) In a support group, men can talk with other men and women can express their feelings and Magnacca, K. (2004) Love and infertility. Washington DC, have them validated by others. New ways of coping Lifeline Press. with infertility in your marriage and with friends in the workplace and holidays, etc., are all discussed. Infertility The information contained in this fact sheet is offered as part of RESOLVE’s is a lonely experience for both the man and woman; be- educational efforts and is in no way intended to substitute for individual medical advice. Discuss your medical situation with a qualified medical professional. ing in a group with others experiencing infertility also can help strengthen communication and reduce isolation.

Copyright RESOLVE Finally, for the sake of your relationship, it is important All Rights Reserved to find some positive meaning in your infertility. Even Originally published: September 1988 though it is infinitely easier to come up with a list of Last update: June 2007 ways in which you have been wounded by infertility, as individuals and as a couple you have surely learned some valuable lessons. Perhaps you have learned about control The mission of RESOLVE is to provide timely, com- and have a better understanding of when you have it and passionate support and information to people who are when you don’t. Undoubtedly you have discovered un- experiencing infertility and to increase awareness of tapped strengths in yourself. You are surviving a serious infertility issues through public education and advo- life crisis and you have been battered, but not destroyed. cacy. If you decide to become parents, one way or another, you will have learned some things about family ties that Visit www.resolve.org today to find information and many fertile couples never learn. You have inevitably resources on all aspects of infertility and family build- thought long and hard about what it means to be parents ing as well as: and why you want children. You understand the differ- • Your local RESOLVE ences between biology and parenting. You probably have • Support groups an enriched understanding of yourself and of your po- • Educational events tential strengths and weaknesses as a parent. • RESOLVE publications Couples who have survived the crisis of infertility usually • Member-to-Member Contact System (where find that their marriage has deepened. They understand available) each other better and have a renewed appreciation of • Telephone HelpLines their relationship. They become closer because they • Online communities have solved a difficult and painful problem together. • Advocacy These benefits last a lifetime. • Insurance coverage for infertility treatment • Questions to ask your doctor Suggested Readings • Volunteer opportunities Barbach, L. (1982) For each other: Shared sexual intimacy. and more! Garden City, NY: Anchor Press/Doubleday.

RESOLVE is a non-profit 510c(3) organization. Our Cooper, S. & Glazer, E. (1989) Without child: Experiencing mission is supported by individual donations. and resolving infertility. Lexington, MA: Lexington Books.

company: office docs: fact sheets

RESOLVE Fact Sheet Series 7 All Rights Reserved