Infertility stress can indeed be a major concern, and coping with infertility is a real challenge that, unfortunately, many people face. Research has also shown that the psychological burden that infertile people experience is similar to those who cope with chronic pain and other conditions such as HIV or cancer. Additionally, studies have concluded that in the case of men, infertility stress may increase the risk of developing depression, anxiety, decreased self-esteem, and sexual dysfunction. Still, these problems can be observed in both genders, regardless of whether we’re discussing female or male factor infertility or other causes.
Our experts in obstetrics and gynecology in South Miami, Florida, understand the importance of finding strategies that make coping with infertility more bearable, lessening the burden of social pressure or even well-meaning judgment, and the possible feelings of failure, emptiness, and inadequacy that can leave a massive mark on one’s quality of life.
This article will discuss tactics that help cope with infertility and the challenges that come from infertility stress and explore various support channels that may help those affected regain their self-esteem and quality of life.
Infertility Counseling and Dealing With Infertility Stress
Infertility counseling can be best described as a psychotherapy variant that aims to support couples or individuals dealing with infertility challenges. For instance, some women may work with a counselor when struggling with infertility to conceive a child. The counselor may recommend different solutions during these sessions, such as finding egg or sperm donors. Also, they might recommend other methods, such as opting for surrogacy or adoption.
Coping with infertility can be incredibly difficult for couples and individuals alike, leading to significant strains in relationships between couples. As mentioned before, infertility stress can lead to symptoms that are associated with depression and anxiety, among others. In these cases, infertility counseling can be an excellent and helpful method to navigate through these challenges and move on or find a solution.
Infertility Stress and Mental Health
The condition is relatively common in the US. According to data from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), approximately 12% of women between the ages of 15 and 44 face difficulties with maintaining pregnancies or getting pregnant altogether. Also, the data points out that around six percent of married women from the exact same age group were unable to fall pregnant after one year of actively trying.
On the other hand, infertility doesn’t just affect women. According to the CDC, in around 35% of cases, both male and female factors contributed to infertility, and in about eight percent of cases, male infertility was the sole problem for not being able to conceive or carry out a pregnancy.
Also, several studies have concluded (as mentioned already) that infertility and mental health symptoms are usually closely linked, as the condition of not being able to have children (or experiencing difficulties with conceiving) can trigger anxiety and depression both in couples and individuals.
How Can Infertility Counseling Help?
These expert counselors are trained to provide support in a number of ways, tackling several challenges that may arise while learning how to cope with infertility. Some of the most prevalent issues they may be able to treat include the following:
- Depression or sadness: As mentioned above, the difficulties surrounding infertility can often lead to feelings of loss, hopelessness, listlessness, and sadness.
- Worry and anxiety: Those dealing with infertility stress will often find themselves overly preoccupied with the topic of infertility, to the point that they are unable to focus on anything else.
- Shame, self-blame, and guilt: This is especially prominent in circles or cultures where nuclear families and reproduction are given high value, and those dealing with infertility feel guilty for not being able to “fit in.”
- Physical stress symptoms: These people may also have trouble resting and experience other issues such as headaches, muscle tension, and digestive problems.
- Relationship problems: Infertility may induce conflict between couples.
Coping With Infertility: The Challenges
The sole purpose of infertility counseling is to help discuss the main struggles with infertility. On the other hand, people don’t have to have specific symptoms or problems to ask for help. Most commonly, infertility counselors help people in the following scenarios:
- When discussing other options: If you’ve only recently learned that you might have problems with infertility, counseling may help you and your partner figure out the next steps. These trained excerpts can help you learn more about all the options available and can help you assess the best choices for you.
- Helping relax relationship tension: As mentioned above, infertility stress may actually cause relationship problems, and infertility counseling can help resolve conflict and tension that couples may experience related to these challenges.
- Discussing options such as sperm donation, adoption, or egg donation: These decisions are often confusing and, without a doubt, big. Counseling can help you weigh all of these options and make an informed decision regarding your upcoming steps.
- Helping with dealing with family, social, or cultural pressure: Unfortunately, infertility may become an interpersonal problem, especially in relation to friends who have conceived and family expectations. On that end, fertility counselors are able to provide support to help patients deal with these external pressures.
- Opting not to have children: If patients are thinking about seizing fertility treatments completely and choose not to have children, fertility counseling can also be helpful to make the transition.
Possible Methods to Ease Infertility Stress
When trying to cope with the challenges described above, people may consider exploring the following options:
- Infertility support groups: These groups may be able to give people perspective, solidarity, and understanding from others who are facing similar issues. Those interested can search through the National Infertility Association for nearby infertility support groups in their area.
- Therapy: Therapists may be able to help people cope with infertility by assisting them in understanding their challenges and finding better-coping mechanisms to deal with the stress.
- Mindfulness and meditation: Research has shown that meditation and similar practices can help ease anxiety and stress symptoms that can accompany infertility challenges. On that end, some studies also suggest that staying physically active may also help reduce some of the stress symptoms.
Choosing a Therapist Doesn’t Have to Be a Challenge
Different therapists may have different approaches to counseling. That said, you should consider doing some research before opting for an expert. Still, you should always opt for a professional with experience in helping people who have faced similar challenges.
If you don’t know where to start, contacting us should be your next step. Our staff is more than ready to help you with any questions or concerns you might have regarding this challenging topic.
Also, you can take a closer look at possible fertility treatments with our experts.