Why is infertility stressful?
Most couples are used to planning their lives. They believe if they work hard at something, they can achieve it. So when they find it’s difficult to get pregnant, it can easily lead to a feeling of being out of control, which, for most people, is inherently stressful. To further compound the issue, infertility tests and treatments can be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding—one of the many reasons people experience high levels of stress and sometimes discontinue treatment. Infertility can also cause strain on relationships, which can also be stressful.
In order to better cope with the stress of infertility, we offer these suggestions:
Recognize and validate the emotional aspects of infertility.
- Take extra good care of yourself.
- Exercise regularly to release physical and emotional tension.
- Find ways to manage your emotions through journaling.
- Participate in activities that you find enjoyable to take your mind off of treatment.
- Be proactive—find the support you need.
Dr. Eric Levens from SGF’s Annandale, VA, office comments “It’s easy for us as clinicians to measure ovarian profile and sperm function, but it’s very hard to assess the impact stress may be having on your quality of your life.” It’s important for patients to understand the resources that are available to them and be proactive in seeking the type of support they need.
Take advantage of a wide array of support services.
Shady Grove Fertility offers patients a wide range of resources including support groups, online support communities, and educational articles on the topic of stress management. At Shady Grove Fertility, we provide psychological support services where individuals or couples can meet with a counselor before and during treatment to prepare for what to expect and to discuss coping strategies to better manage the stress and anxiety associated specifically with fertility treatments.
Consider complementary therapy to help reduce stress.
Many physicians recommend meditation and relaxation techniques to help reduce stress. Pulling Down the Moon, a Shady Grove Fertility partner, is a resource available to patients that takes a holistic approach to helping couples through the often stressful journey of preconception. Some of the many services they offer to patients include nutritional counseling, yoga, massage, and acupuncture.
- For more information about Pulling Down the Moon’s services, please call 301-610-7755 or visit PullingDownTheMoon.com.
And remember, there is no one “right” approach to managing stress. Find a solution that works best for you and your needs.
If you would like to learn more about our individual or couple’s psychological support services offered through Shady Grove Fertility, please call Sharon Covington at 301-279-9030.
To schedule a new patient consultation at Shady Grove Fertility, please call 877-971-7755 or schedule an appointment online.
