Internet Support
For a variety of reasons, infertility support groups are very popular on a Web-based or Internet-based format. If you don't have a local support network, the Web- or Internet-based groups can be a lifeline. This is one of the biggest benefits of online group support.
Some groups communicate in chat rooms, where you can talk back and forth in a real time environment while using a nickname. Chat rooms are relatively safe places to communicate, assuming you are not giving out your home address or other personal information. Most chat rooms allow you to talk about any subject you want at any point. It can be difficult to keep up with several conversations at once, but you will learn to either multitask or to focus on one conversation. Some chat rooms have a specific chat schedule and stick to it. Check with the administrators of the chat room for details.
Any information that you get via the Web, Internet, or a support group should not be taken as personal medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about information you have learned online to see how it may affect your treatment.
You may also enjoy the Internet-based bulletin boards. This is a messaging system where you start discussions called threads. This is not done in real time, so you can browse topics and leave messages at will. It allows you to participate in more conversations at your own leisure. It is also done on a nickname basis.
You may decide that the online support groups provide a nice addition to your group meetings. By having a supplementation to the group support in between monthly meetings you can feel a continuity of support. It also opens the base of people up that you are talking to and therefore it is more likely that you will find someone who has a history similar to yours.
Cycle buddies are a very popular thing on the Internet. A cycle buddy is another woman who is having similar treatments on or about the exact same day as your treatments. This allows you to commiserate with her and share a common experience.
While the Internet may be a great way to have support in an anonymous environment, there is some indication that if you seek support via the Internet you are less likely to seek support in real life.
Regular users of Internet chat rooms may sound like they speak a different language the first time you see it. You will quickly learn the many different acronyms. Here is a quick list to help get you started.
Internet Chat Room Talk
Abbreviation |
What It Means |
2ww |
Two-Week Wait (Waiting for your period) |
AF |
Aunt Flo (Your Period) |
BBT |
Basal Body Temperature |
BCP |
Birth Control Pills |
BD |
Baby Dance (Sexual Intercourse) |
CD (cd) |
Cycle Day (usually followed by a number) |
CM |
Cervical Mucous |
DPO |
Days Post Ovulation (usually followed by a number) |
EWCM |
Egg White Cervical Mucous |
HPT |
Home Pregnancy Test |
HSG |
Hysterosalpingogram |
IUI |
Intrauterine Insemination |
IVF |
In Vitro Fertilization |
LMP |
Last Menstrual Period |
LP |
Luteal Phase |
M/C |
Miscarriage |
O or OV |
Ovulation |
PG |
Pregnancy/Pregnant |
SA |
Semen Analysis |
Finding support is always a great thing to do! Whether you find that support online or through a support group, it's highly recommended that you and your husband have outlets other than each other for that support.
