If posed with this question, answer simply and then switch the topic.
You may be burning mad or feel like you want to give the person who posed the question a piece of your mind; I have certainly felt that way. But, with practice, I've learned to stop myself from doing this. Over the years, I've discovered that my emotional energy is best directed elsewhere.
You might want to take a deep breath, let it out, and answer in one of the following ways:
•"Not sure. So, how's your new job?"
•"Ask the powers that be, because I don't know."
•"I'd rather not talk about it, thanks."
Or, if you want to go for something more gutsy, you might answer:
•"That's a rather personal question, don't you think? Anyway, how's your new job?"
If you're feeling brave, and you have already decided to start telling people about your struggles, you may use this as an opportunity to talk about infertility:
•"Actually, it's interesting you ask... we've been trying for awhile now."
Another completely legitimate response? You can choose to not answer at all.
You can pretend you didn't hear them ask, just smile, and switch the topic.
You don't have to say anything.
Most people will take the hint. If you find yourself dealing with someone who doesn't, just play the broken-record trick. "I really don't want to talk about it. Actually, no, I'd rather not discuss this now."
And if this still doesn't help, walk away.