Infertility is essentially the inability to conceive after a year of timely, unprotected sexual intercourse and/or the inability to carry a pregnancy to term to deliver a live birth (Glover , 2008, p. 209). Of 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, with recent technological advancements and the implementation of assisted reproductive treatments, health specialists are now recognizing the huge number of women affected by this condition. A study conducted by Bushnik et al., (2011), concluded that the current prevalence of infertility in Canadian heterosexual couples, where the woman was between the ages of 18 and 34, ranged from 11.5% to ​15.7%, almost double the rate previously measured in 1992. (Bushnik, 2011, pp. 738-740). The topic of infertility is of great importance, as although it affects a significant number of Canadians, there is little public awareness of the potentially devastating effects on those involved. This article will explore infertility as a life crisis for the adult North American woman. . 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 far-reaching effect on the burden of unwanted infertility. Psychological Impact For the most part, women approach adulthood with the intent of having children and with... .... half of the document ...... vessels as "one of the most significant connections and personal relationships formed between two people” have had truly significant implications on the health and well-being of a woman facing 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 during a time in her life when she may feel like she lacks control and certainty. In conclusion, the psychological, emotional, and social impacts related to infertility are not isolated factors but are intertwined in a complex way that affects the individual in different ways. And while being surrounded by an unsupportive social network can lead to feelings of stigma, a positive social network can actually help the individual overcome many of the difficulties associated with an infertility diagnosis..