A fertility treatment journey can be a rollercoaster of emotions for patients. It is not only the physical stress that the couple has to face but mental and emotional health factors are also involved in the parenthood journey. Mental health can be impacted badly because of infertility issues and subsequent treatments. During fertility treatment, mental health is being neglected unintentionally but we should talk about it.
Psychological Effects of Infertility or Fertility Treatments
There are various psychological factors that affect individuals and couples.
- Stress and Anxiety – When you are trying to conceive a baby, it can be very stressful and anxiety-inducing especially when there is no positive outcome. The pressure of getting pregnant or conceiving can increase stress and affects mental health.
- Depression – During fertility treatment, at one time you can feel sadness, hopelessness, and depression. The chances of developing depression increases when you are in the ups and down of fertility treatment.
- Grief and loss – Most couples go into a grieving state either by losing their unborn child or by losing the dream of having their own biological children. The couples may experience failed IVF cycles or miscarriages that majorly impact their mental health.
- Social isolation – The fertility journey does not always have a positive impact so it can give negative emotions as well because of which some patients might feel isolated & disconnected from their family and peers. The impact of infertility on women’s mental health increased during this isolation period.
Can Fertility Drugs Make You Emotional?
Apart from anxiety and depression, fertility drugs can produce other emotions as well such as jealousy, isolation, and irritability. The role of fertility drugs is to regulate or stimulate ovulation and enhance fertility. However, they also impact on hormone levels which can in turn affect emotional and mental health. Some of the emotional changes due to fertility drugs are:
- Quick mood swings and emotional sensitivity
- Feelings of frustration, anxiety, and disappointment
- Body pain, bloating, headaches, and fatigue
Statistics of Mental Health and Infertility
According to some studies, 25-60% of couples who are suffering from infertility issues experience mental health problems and symptoms. The cases of depression in infertile couples is significantly increasing while seeking the infertility treatment.
How to Handle Mental Health in Fertility Treatment?
There are several strategies that can help to cope up with the symptoms and handle the mental health issues during infertility and fertility treatment.
- Seek Support – Never hesitate to reach out and talk with your supportive friends and family members. You can also ask a therapist about all your issues and provide you emotional support.
- Communicate – Don’t stop talking or communicating with your partner. Be open and honest as well as share all your fears, feelings and expectations with each other and provide mutual support.
- Set Realistic Expectations – The fertility treatment is not an easy process so always set realistic expectations and be prepared for the setbacks and disappointments as well.
- Limit Stressors – Try to minimize and avoid being involved in those activities which are giving you stress. Indulge more in practices that bring peace and joy.
- Stay Informed – Learn about fertility treatment but don’t overload the information. Educate yourself with only that much information which is important for the treatment and awareness.
- Take Professional Help – If you are highly struggling with emotional and mental challenges of fertility treatment then always seek professional help. Talk to a therapist or counselor who specializes in the reproductive health field.
FAQs
Ans: There are several ways in which mental health can affect fertility including stress, anxiety, depression, lifestyle changes, coping behaviors, etc.
Ans: To deal mentally with infertility, you should seek support, communicate with your partner, practice self-care, consider professional help, and more.
Ans: Make a schedule properly and prepare your treatment cycle accordingly. Do stress-reducing and calmness activities during the treatment cycle.