There are many reasons people come to the decision not to continue fertility treatment. It may happen when the consultant says there's little or no chance of success. For others, there comes a point at which they can no longer endure the emotional roller coaster of treatments, or the financial cost is too high and they can no longer afford treatment. After several - or many - attempts that haven't resulted in the birth of a baby, a couple may just feel it's time to move on.
At whatever point it's decided to call it a day, it's vital to know the decision has been made without pressure and that the time - and money - spent having treatment hasn't been wasted. There shouldn't be a feeling of personal failure.
Alternative ways of having a family
Even if you decide not to have any more attempts at assisted reproduction, it doesn't necessarily mean you have to give up all hope of having a family. There are other ways of becoming a parent.
Adoption is likely to work best if it's seen as a positive choice rather than as second best. For this reason, many adoption agencies specify that people who've been trying for a baby using assisted conception leave it six months to a year after completing treatment, to ensure they have come to terms with their infertility.
It can take time to come to terms with the idea of being childfree. This is especially the case if there has been the hope of a child while going through fertility treatment. The realisation may also come if adoption and surrogacy haven't worked out or aren't possible.