Infertility is perhaps one of the most stressful challenges a couple can face.No doubt, dealing with the roller coaster of emotions during infertility is challenging but it is not impossible. The medical care you are seeking, focuses on treating the causes of infertility, but taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is equally important.
Couples who learn they are infertile often experience distressing emotions. The typical reactions include; shock, grief, depression, anger, frustration, and loss of self-esteem. Sometimes women can experience psychological stress due to infertility. However, men are at risk for anxiety, depression, and sexual dysfunction. A couple can face stress because of male or female infertility.
While male infertility is related to abnormal sperm production, overexposure to environmental factors, or premature ejaculation, female infertility can occur because of ovulation disorders, fallopian tube damage, endometriosis, or pelvic adhesions.
Whatever the cause may be, the infertility journey is always tough. Therefore, acknowledging your feelings and accepting them is the first step to deal with this situation. We have come up with the ideal strategies or tips to help you efficiently deal with infertility:
Identifying your feelings
The emotional aspect of infertility is not linked with a single cause. These emotions are often the result of our never-ending expectations from inside and outside. You may encounter several emotions, which include:
- Fear of rejection or being isolated
- Fear of being judged at every step
- Feeling of failure
- The feeling of guilt and shame
- Jealousy or anger
- Loss of self-esteem
You need to identify these emotions to find the proper support. Your spouse can be your biggest support system. But sometimes, the accumulated pressure you both feel may make it difficult to sort out your emotions together. Therefore, to deal with your emotional distress, you can also seek outside help. It can be your family or friends or your counselors.
Developing understanding with your partner
Going through the tough phase of infertility is difficult for you and your partner aike. Therefore, it is vital to support and trust each other in this tough time. Developing mutual understanding with your partner gives a sense of security and positivity. Share your feelings and emotions with your partner. Hence, having your partner by your side will give you a new hope to face the challenges of infertility.
Seeking help from a professional counselor.
If you and your partner hesitate to talk, you might consider speaking with a fertility counselor or a trained therapist. Overcoming infertility can be hard, and there is no shame in reaching out for help if you are feeling stressed or disappointed in this journey. A professional fertility counselor will be the best person to understand your feelings and help you in dealing with your emotions.
Reestablishing intimacy with your partner
You and your partner may be trying so long to conceive. But when you only think of conceiving, any kind of intimacy with your partner may feel forced. Moreover, it can also impact your relationship with them.
You can try and bring back the charm to your intimate relationship. Affectionate intimacy helps in relieving stress and making you feel like your older self again. Therefore, you should find ways to reconnect with your partner and spend most of your time with them.
Exercising self-care
Self-care is the best care in your infertility journey. Allowing self-care is a step ahead towards living a stress-free life. You can take out some time from your daily activities and spend it doing your favorite things. You can give way to self-care with these simple tips:
- Getting enough sleep
- Cooking your favorite meal
- Practicing yoga or meditation
- Reading your favorite book
- Spending time with your loved ones
These practices could be of great help to manage the stress and emotions of infertility.
Focussing on your work
Fertility treatments are stressful and preoccupying and can take a toll on you. However, your work can provide an effective distraction from the persistent anxiety you feel from infertility. It is advisable to stay busy with your work so that you will not get overpowered by any negative emotions.
Keeping a check on depression
Depression is common among couples undergoing infertility treatment. It can be triggered through hormonal therapy, recurrent pregnancy loss, financial or relationship stress. You will experience depression when:
- Feeling sad for the whole day
- Loss of interest in most activities
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Drop-in energy level
- Feeling ashamed or worthless
- Feeling lonely
Therefore, you can consult with your doctor or a counselor who can guide you to deal with your emotions during infertility. You need counseling, and support that will help you pass this tough phase with flying colors.
Vardaan Medical Centre: Best Infertility Centre
Vardaan Medical Centre provides a platform to couples to seek the blessings of parenthood. We have a team of the best IVF doctors and infertility specialists to help patients suffering from various infertility problems.
Our IVF specialists in Jalandhar guarantee the best reproductive care with world-class treatment. Contact our experts and start your beautiful journey towards parenthood.