Partner Support

Understanding What a Partner Is Going Through

Fertility treatment affects everyone in the relationship, not only the person undergoing procedures. Partners - of any gender, in any family structure - often carry a load that is invisible at work and rarely supported.

Published 12 April 2026

1 in 6

couples affected by infertility globally

Liang et al., 2025

50%

of partners report significant psychological distress during treatment

Lyubykh et al., 2025

39%

of time off for fertility treatment is logged as sick leave

Totaljobs with the Fawcett Society, 2023

The Pattern

Why Do Partners Struggle to Get Support at Work?

Research describes a recurring pattern: partners often feel they should "stay strong" and put their own distress aside. In practice this means many are less likely to seek support, talk to a manager, or ask about workplace adjustments - even when those would help.

This applies across genders and family structures, though the social pressures can look different depending on context.

For same-sex couples, solo parents using a partner-equivalent supporter, and those using surrogacy or donor pathways, there can be additional layers around disclosure, legal parentage, and social recognition.

Five Signs

Signs to Recognise

Emotional Withdrawal

Partners may suppress their own distress to 'stay strong', leading to emotional disconnection and burnout.

Cyclical Stress Patterns

Mood changes that align with treatment cycles - heightened anxiety around egg collection or result days, followed by periods of numbness.

Presenteeism

Physically present at work but cognitively absent. Difficulty concentrating, increased errors, reduced decision-making capacity.

Sleep Disruption

Hypervigilance about the partner's wellbeing, combined with treatment-related anxiety, often disrupts sleep quality.

Social Isolation

Avoiding colleagues who are pregnant or have young children. Withdrawing from social events that might trigger difficult conversations.

At Work

Workplace Adjustments for Partners

Flexible time off for clinic appointments (partners attend 40–60% of appointments)
Understanding that focus may vary during key treatment milestones
Access to EAP or counselling services without requiring disclosure
Reduced travel or on-call during acute treatment phases
Permission to step away from baby-related workplace events without explanation

For Managers

A Note for Managers

If a team member discloses that their partner is undergoing fertility treatment, treat this with the same sensitivity you would any other medical disclosure. The employee may need:

Short-notice time off for emergency procedures or complications
Emotional support without requiring clinical details
Reassurance that their performance is not being judged during this period
Confidentiality - even from well-meaning colleagues

In the Toolkit

Supporting a Partner Through Treatment?

OccuFertility includes a dedicated partner support mode with tailored workplace adjustment tools and line manager briefs.

Sign in to the Toolkit

Not a medical device. This platform provides structured information and evidence-based reference material to support conversations between employees, their GPs, and their employers. It does not constitute clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Clinical decision-making rests entirely with the treating clinician.

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