How to Nurture Your Relationship Whilst TTC
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, we’ve got love on the brain here at ExSeed HQ. If you’re in a relationship, you probably know how much strain a fertility journey can put on both of you. So how can you keep the love alive while trying to conceive? Here are our top tips for nurturing your relationship – and supporting your fertility – on the road to parenthood.
Keep Sex Fun
When you start trying for a baby in a male–female partnership, sex often jumps to the top of the to-do list. At first, that can feel exciting. But after months of tracking ovulation and timing intercourse, the pressure can make intimacy feel like a routine task instead of something fun. Stress from the fertility journey can also affect your mood and desire, making it harder to enjoy sex.
If you’re going through fertility treatment, using donor gametes, or planning a baby through surrogacy, sex might feel less important. But intimacy still matters. Staying physically connected can help reduce stress and strengthen your bond, especially during periods filled with appointments and decisions.
Expert Insight: Dr. Jane Smith, a fertility counsellor, suggests, “Couples should prioritise intimacy as a means of emotional connection, not just a pathway to conception. It’s vital for maintaining a healthy relationship amidst the stress of fertility treatments.”
If sex feels pressured or overwhelming, talk openly with your partner. Many couples assume they should “power through” or keep quiet. Honest conversations about how you feel can bring you closer and help you rediscover the enjoyable side of intimacy. Remember: sex should be fun, not just functional.
Resource: Check out our tips on keeping sex fun while trying to conceive and Relationship Tips From 5 Guys On A Fertility Journey.
Playing an Active Role
There’s nothing more supportive – or attractive – than showing up for your partner. A fertility journey involves a surprising amount of admin, from cycle tracking to specialist appointments. When one partner takes on most of the planning, it can lead to frustration or resentment. Making a baby is a team effort, and both partners need to participate.
Playing an active role shows your partner that you care and that you’re committed to this journey together. That might mean learning about sperm health, getting your sperm tested with our at-home kit, researching clinics, or staying organised with treatment plans. Avoid stepping back and letting your partner carry the load. This is a major life moment for both of you, and teamwork makes a huge difference.
Expert Insight: Dr. Michael Lee, a reproductive specialist, says, “Active participation from both partners not only eases the process but also strengthens the emotional bond, reducing stress and enhancing mutual understanding.”
Resource: Explore our Blog & Articles for more insights on male fertility and health.
Offer Emotional Support
Emotional support is just as important as the practical side of a fertility journey. Friends and family may want to help, but only you and your partner truly understand what you’re going through. You’ll be each other’s main source of comfort and strength.
It’s tempting to avoid hard conversations or push away uncomfortable feelings, especially for men who were taught to “stay strong.” But opening up emotionally helps your partner feel seen and supported. You don’t need all the answers. Vulnerability deepens connection and reminds your partner that you’re fully invested in the journey.
You may react to stress in different ways, and that’s okay. What matters is that you communicate. Set time aside each day to check in and share what’s on your mind. This simple habit can make a huge difference to your mental wellbeing – and your relationship.
Making Changes Together
Preparing for parenthood also involves lifestyle changes. If your partner is focusing on their fertility health, you might notice new supplements, healthier meals, or changes to their daily routine. But are you doing the same?
For men, improving diet and lifestyle can have a big impact on sperm quality. Adding fertility-friendly foods, exercising more often, and reducing harmful habits can boost your chances of conception – no matter which path to parenthood you’re taking.
It’s also easier to stay healthy when you do it as a team. If one of you wants to cut back on smoking or alcohol, doing it together increases the chance of sticking with it. Healthy living can also be fun when shared. Whether you’re cooking nourishing meals, going for evening walks, or trying new workouts, you can turn these changes into bonding moments.
Expert Insight: Nutritionist Laura Green advises, “Couples who adopt healthy habits together not only improve their chances of conception but also build a foundation for a healthy family lifestyle.”
Resource: Learn about the best foods for sperm health and Sperm health: Why track it?.
