A somewhat clinical-sounding, sometimes euphemistic phrase for the period early in a marriage when a couple has been trying to conceive but hasn’t yet succeeded. Used to describe the initial phase of unexplained or expected difficulty getting pregnant—captures both the medical/diagnostic aspect and the emotional waiting-room vibe. Can be used seriously, sympathetically, or darkly jokey depending on context.
We hit our first anniversary and were still TTC — calling it "initial infertility" made the whole thing feel less permanent and more like a phase.
by Emotional Cruiser February 25, 2026
Get the initial infertility mug.