Involuntary childlessness can cause 'incredible pain and grief' for anyone who wants to be a parent

For decades, the lives of Wollongong couple Michael and Vickie Hughes have been defined by something that's missing. When the couple was ready to conceive, Ms Hughes' health issues meant they turned to "a whole gamut of fertility treatments," including what Mr Hughes now calls "the devastating rollercoaster" of IVF. 'We just shut it down' Mr and Ms Hughes, now both 54, are one of Australia's "involuntarily childless" couples — those who deeply want to be parents but cannot. He says involuntary childlessness can trigger mental health issues among men, especially if they perceive themselves as being "responsible" for it. Michael Hughes says travel "is our coping tool and also gives us something to look forward to".