Infertility is essentially the inability to conceive after a year of unprotected sexual intercourse in a timely manner and/or the inability to carry a pregnancy to birth alive (Glover, 2008, p. 209). Among the many possible causes of infertility, 70% of cases are attributed to natural causes and the rest to idiopathic or unexplained factors (Kraaij, 2009, p. 19). Infertility is a complex medical problem that not only affects a woman physiologically, but also affects many other aspects of her life. Historically, statistics on the infertility rate in Canada were rarely published. However, thanks to recent technological advances and the implementation of assisted reproductive treatments, health specialists now recognize the overwhelming number of women affected by this condition. A study by Bushnik et al. (2011) concluded that the current prevalence of infertility among Canadian heterosexual couples, where the woman was aged 18 to 34, ranged between 11.5% and 15.7%, almost double the rate previously measured in 1992. (Bushnik, 2011, p. 738-740). The topic of infertility is of great importance because although it affects a significant number of Canadians, there is little public awareness of the potentially devastating effects on those affected. This article will explore infertility as a life crisis for the North American woman in adulthood. . This will be examined through various questions regarding the psychological, emotional and social aspects of infertility. Finally, it will examine various coping strategies, both positive and negative, that can have a profound effect on the burden of unwanted infertility. Psychological ImpactFor the most part, women approach adulthood with the intention of having children and con.. .... middle of paper ...... being considered "one of the most meaningful and personal bonds formed between two people" had truly meaningful implications on the health and well-being of a woman struggling with infertility (Glover, 2008, p.226). With this understanding, a healthy social support network could provide a psychological safety net, allowing her to feel a sense of stability and predictability at a time in her life when she may feel like she lacks control and certainty. and the social impacts related to infertility are not isolated factors but are intertwined in a complex manner that affects the individual in diverse ways. And while being surrounded by an unsupportive social network can lead to feelings of stigma, a positive network can truly help the individual overcome many of the difficulties associated with an infertility diagnosis...