Episode
Trying to Conceive Is Affecting Your Relationship? How to Stay Connected Through Fertility Struggles | #178
- Podcast
- Healthy As A Mother
- Published
- Aug 19, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 4202
- Processing state
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Summary
Trying to conceive can affect so much more than your fertility. It can change your sex life, create resentment, bring old trauma and insecurities to the surface, and leave couples feeling more like roommates than partners. In this episode, Dr. Leah breaks down some of the most common relationship dynamics she sees during a difficult TTC or infertility journey, including the project manager and avoider, silent grievers, sex on schedule, and the unequal burden dynamic. She also shares practical ways to communicate your needs, involve your partner, protect intimacy, shift unhealthy patterns, and create a stronger foundation for the parenthood you're working toward. Most importantly, if trying to conceive has changed your relationship, you're not alone, and it doesn't mean your relationship is doomed. 00:00 Trailer + Intro 01:43 How Trying to Conceive Can Affect Your Relationship 02:47 When TTC Starts Changing Your Relationship 05:07 When Sex Becomes a Chore 06:43 The Vicious Cycle of Libido and Disconnection 10:06 How Hard Times Bring Old Wounds to the Surface 11:43 When Fertility Changes the Relationship Dynamic 16:04 The Project Manager and the Avoider 18:39 Give Your Partner the Map 20:06 The Silent Grievers 21:13 Sex on Schedule and Unequal Burden 25:35 The Hidden Grief of Trying to Conceive 27:30 The Micro-Griefs Women Carry 30:32 When Your Partner Doesn't Know How to Show Up 33:05 Creating the Support You Actually Need 35:30 Reconnecting With Joy and Your Identity 37:46 Giving Your Partner a Clear Role 41:37 Letting Go of Control 43:48 Protecting Polarity and Connection 49:28 What Your Partner Can Actually Do 51:50 Protecting Your Relationship During TTC 55:07 Breaking the Resentment and Disconnection Cycle 57:27 Getting Support and Processing the Hard Stuff 60:44 B…