Many couples and individuals find it more difficult than expected to become pregnant. There are many possible reasons. Starting families later in life, health concerns, and stress are just a few. As more of us seek assistance through reproductive technologies, the need for emotional support becomes an important consideration.
Significance
Many couples and individuals who expected to easily get pregnant find themselves seeking professional infertility services, also known as ART (Assisted Reproductive Technologies). While the technological advances that make ART successful for some patients are very exciting, the process itself can be quite emotional and is best approached with a solid support system in place.
Considerations
ART treatments can range from ovulation induction, using prescription medications such as Clomiphene-to more complex procedures such as IVF (in vitro fertilization). These treatments can often include a combination of several of these ART strategies. Some strategies, such as choosing to be the recipient of an egg or sperm donation, may require a psychological assessment to determine if the recipient is emotionally able to accept that a successful pregnancy will result in a child of the donor's genetic makeup rather than his or her own. It is also important to remember that many if not most of these treatments involve manipulating hormone levels. For many women, this not only means significant emotional fluctuations. It can also mean weight gain, bloating, digestive problems, changes in hair and skin, and a kaleidoscope of other unpleasant symptoms.
Your Internal Support System
Infertility treatments can be very expensive, time consuming and stressful. If you are seeking treatment for infertility, it is important to have a good support system in place to help cope with the wide range of emotions you are likely to experience. Generally, this support system might include a partner, family members, a mental health professional, and a trusted friend. Your doctor and his staff should also be supportive and willing to patiently respond to your questions and concerns. It is important that you feel comfortable asking for support when you need it. It may be difficult for others to recognize when you are in need of a hug or a kind word, so do not be afraid to ask.
Your External Support System
Some mental health professionals provide group therapy related specifically to infertility issues. Within a group, you may find a sense of belonging with people who can identify with your experiences. This creates a feeling of cohesion--a bond between members of a community . By sharing this bond, we are able to see that the thoughts and emotions we experience are not unusual. Ask your doctor for a referral, or check with your company's EAP (employee assistance program) if you think group therapy might be helpful. In addition, you may find online message boards to be great sources of support. Message boards, like therapy groups, provide a constructive way to express and explore what you and others in your position are going through. However, the relative anonymity of online message boards may allow us to be more comfortable and candid than we might be when speaking face to face. Keeping a journal can also be an excellent way to safely delve into unexplored feelings.
Conclusion
Most importantly, when seeking infertility treatment it is essential to make time to be gentle with yourself. Share your strategies and expectations with a member of your support system, find ways to relax and care for yourself, and seek a comfortable place where you can express your hopes and concerns from the very beginning of this amazing journey.
