This week is the Annual Infertility Awareness Week. A week I’m very passionate about. The theme this year is “Resolve to Know More” and this is right up my alley. From the day we got our infertility diagnosis, we researched every.single.thing we could. Poor Mr. Piñata took every supplement ever known to help with male fertility issues. I looked up statistics, specialists, differing opinions on treatment plans, etc. We wanted to KNOW MORE about this medical condition we were now diagnosed with and walking through.

But, during this week I do feel responsible for helping educate others about infertility, both on the medical and emotional level. Here is some worthwhile information from Resolve, the National Infertility Association. Check out their site for information on these infertility myths and facts below, and much more.

Myth: Infertility is a women’s problem.

Fact: This is untrue. It surprises most people to learn that infertility is a female problem in 35% of the cases, a male problem in 35% of the cases, a combined problem of the couple in 20% of cases, and unexplained in 10% of cases. It is essential that both the man and the woman be evaluated during an infertility work-up.

Myth: Don’t worry so much — it just takes time. You’ll get pregnant if you’re just patient.

Fact: Infertility is a medical problem that may be treated. At least 50% of those who complete an infertility evaluation will respond to treatment with a successful pregnancy. Some infertility problems respond with higher or lower success rates. Those who do not seek help have a “spontaneous cure rate” of about 5% after a year of infertility.

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Myth: If you adopt a baby you’ll get pregnant!

Fact: This is one of the most painful myths for couples to hear. First it suggests that adoption is only a means to an end, not an happy and successful end in itself. Second, it is simply not true. Studies reveal that the rate for achieving pregnancy after adopting is the same as for those who do not adopt.

Myth: Infertility is nature’s way of controlling population.

Fact: Zero population growth is a goal pursued in a time of world overpopulation, but it still allows for couples to replace themselves with two children. Individuals or couples can certainly elect the option to be childfree or to raise a single child. Infertility, for those who desire children, denies them the opportunity to choose.

Myth: I’ve lost interest in my job, hobbies, and my friends because of infertility. No one understands! My life will never be the same!

Fact: Infertility is a life crisis — it has a rippling effect on all areas of your life. It is normal to feel a sense of failure that can affect your self-esteem and self-image. You will move through this crisis. It is a process, and it may mean letting go of initial dreams. Throughout this process, stay informed about the wide range of options and connect with others facing similar experiences.

The key to all these myths is to remember to show some grace and compassion to those walking this difficult road. I hope that it allows you to take a moment this week to be sensitive to those going through the trial of infertility. There’s nothing you can do to take away their pain, but I assure you that it definitely helps to have others offer to help carry the burden by offering love, support and even dinner on their darkest days. Even if you know someone who has resolved their infertility, whether through pregnancy, adoption or choosing to life child-free, I guarantee that there are areas of their heart that are still sensitive and sad about all they went through.

Infertility is a road I wish no one would have to take, but so many people do. And we can use all the support and encouragement you have to offer.