Frequently Asked Questions

How does infertility affect individuals?

People diagnosed with infertility frequently experience high levels of stress, depression, anxiety, anger, frustration and isolation. Many have also physical symptoms of stress, such as headaches, gastro-intestinal difficulties or sleep disturbances. Understandably, many individuals feel that they have lost control over their bodies, plans and hopes for life. They are overwhelmed by feelings of sadness, loss and grief. Medical procedures for infertility can be very stressful. The couple must make many complex decisions. The cost of reproductive interventions is high and the treatments are often experienced as invasive and degrading.


What is the impact of infertility on relationships?

Family and friends often do not understand how difficult the experience of infertility can be. They are not aware that infertility is a medical condition. Their remarks and questions, while intended to be well meaning, can be hurtful. People who seem to have no problems conceiving and bearing babies surround the couple. The partners may feel ashamed and blame themselves or each other for "failing" at something so natural as making a baby. It is common for the couple to feel the need to keep their infertility problem a secret. This even further isolates them from friends and family and strains relationships at a time when support is needed most.

The emotional upheaval brought on by infertility can lead to relationship distress, communication problems, sexual difficulties and disagreements over medical treatments and alternatives. Since each individual is affected by infertility differently it can become difficult for partners to empathize with each other’s way of coping. The couple may become estranged from one another and can loose the humor, spontaneity and love they shared prior to the diagnosis


Why do people need help in coping with infertility?

Those individuals who receive support from their partner, family, friends, professional counselors and medical caregivers tend to do much better at coping with the challenges, stress and strained relationships caused by infertility. Feeling understood and receiving empathy from others gives the couple the strength and encouragement to deal with the painful experiences related to infertility. Counseling and stress reduction programs further help partners reduce the physical, emotional and relational symptoms of stress and sort out the emotional upheaval brought on by infertility. The couple, who gets the help they need will move beyond the crisis quicker and find solutions easier.


When should I consider getting help from an infertility counselor?

Most individuals ride an emotional roller coaster while trying to resolve their infertility problem. This is a normal part of coping with infertility. Consider getting professional help when you or your partner:

  • Experiences emotional symptoms of stress such as depression, anxiety, social isolation, persistent feelings of anger, pessimism, sadness, guilt, worthlessness; agitation; constant preoccupation with infertility; difficulty concentrating; loss of interest in usual activities; increased mood swings; increased use of drugs or alcohol; suicidal thoughts.
  • Has physical symptoms of stress such as heart palpation, sleep disturbances, tension, headaches, abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, a change in appetite or weight.
  • Experiences strained relationships with your partner, family, friends or colleagues; communication problems; sexual difficulties; disagreements over medical treatment possibilities, childfree living or alternative family building options.
  • Considers adoption or third-party assistance (gamete donation, surrogacy)
  • Experiences relational discord after becoming a parent. The emotional upheaval in couples who finally have the child they have so wished for can be quite profound.


What is Mind/Body Medicine?

Mind/Body Medicine considers mental, emotional and physical factors as interconnected. In this branch of medicine researches study the effects of beliefs, attitudes, thoughts and emotions on physical health and a person’s ability to recover from illness. Studies have identified that our coping styles – the way we cope with stressful situations and emotions – influence our health. Mind/Body Medicine’s basic premise is that outer stress and inner distress can exacerbate illness and that managing stress and healing psychological wounds are important elements for gaining health and well being.

Mind/Body Medicine approaches are considered to be those psychological strategies that directly influence physiological states. A wide variety of techniques are used to promote lifestyle changes, increase coping skills and change behaviors. Exercise, diet and supportive interpersonal relationships are also considered important.

Methods include meditation, mindfulness, progressive relaxation, mental imagery, autogenic training, cognitive restructuring, hypnosis, prayer, biofeedback and others.

 

 

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