Infertility affects both men and women mentally, physically, and emotionally. The ups and downs of the process can lead to high levels of stress, anxiety, anger, depression, marital problems, sexual dysfunction, and social isolation. These unfortunate side effects make the process that much more difficult, however it’s important to get the support you need so your self-esteem and outlook on life remain as positive as possible.
The month of May is Mental Health Awareness month, and there’s no better time than the present to give yourself a mental check-up or a much needed mental health break! Your mental health plays just as significant a role as your physical health, especially while you are in the process of trying to get pregnant. In fact more and more research is being done to link stress and infertility with implications that stress may play a role in 30% of all infertility problems!
While it is virtually impossible to go through the infertility process stress-free, there are many ways to manage the stress with relaxation techniques. Here are some of the more popular methods for fertility patients…
Acupuncture
Aerobic exercise (may be reduced during treatments)
Journaling
Listening to music
Massage therapy
Meditation
Self-help books
Progressive muscle relaxation
Support/educational groups
Walking/ hiking
Yoga
There may come a time when simple relaxation techniques can’t ease the emotional pain of infertility. Learn the warning signs of depression and never be afraid to seek help when it’s needed most. For mental health resources, click on the RESOLVE’s (the National Infertility Association) Directory of Services. If there is not a doctor listed in your area, talk to family and friends about referrals and check with your insurance company for doctors listed in your plan.
The articles below provide great insight on coping with stress and helpful tips for stress relief during the infertility journey.
Relaxation and Stress Management for Infertile Women
Coping with the Stress of Infertility Fact Sheet
Coping with Infertility: How Family and Friends Can Help
At CRM in Orlando, we understand the ups and downs of the infertility treatment process and are sensitive to our patient’s needs and concerns.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Struggles to get to the clinic? Trying to reduce your exposure to COVID-19, as well as other contagious illnesses, and still need to see your doctor? Telehealth is safe and easy — receive quality care from anywhere.
A fertility journey can be stressful during the best of times, but the uncertainty surrounding the impact of COVID-19 on your ability to create a family can be unbearable. While it may seem like your fertility journey is at a standstill,...
With the World Health Organization declaring the Coronavirus a pandemic and cities forcing many businesses to close, we know it can be a stressful and scary time. We also know that for many couples who are trying to conceive, time is of the essence,...
Choosing the right fertility center is one of the most important decision you can make, whether you’re starting on your fertility journey or selecting a new center after a past one didn’t produce results...
Infertility has been known to put a strain on even the strongest of relationships. Between the stress, treatments, and frustrations couples face on their path to parenthood, keeping the romance alive during treatment can feel impossible.
Make the decision to start or grow your family can be a happy and exciting time for couples. But while many think achieving and maintaining a healthy pregnancy is as easy as just trying, certain things can stand in the way of success.
