Options for Coping with the Psychological Impact of Infertility

The physical impacts of infertility is something that infertile couples are intimately familiar with – hormone injections, frequent blood draws, and reactions to medications, just to name a few. But there is another, less discussed impact of infertility – the psychological impact of infertility on individuals and couples.  The physical and emotional hardship of infertility – from invasive procedures to overwhelming feelings of grief – often negatively effects the mental health of one or both members of a couple. Additionally, infertility can also put a strain on the couple’s relationships with friends, family, and even each other.

So what can patients struggling with infertility do to cope with its psychological effects? Here, the fertility experts of IVF FLORIDA discuss some options for patients seeking to look after their mental health while undergoing infertility treatments.

Support Groups

For some couples, the idea of discussing their infertility with family or friends can feel daunting. While these loved ones often want to be supportive during this difficult time, it can be difficult for couples to discuss their fertility issues with them openly due to fears of judgement, pity, and a sense of shame. But couples struggling with infertility need a strong support system in order to cope with the emotional and psychological impacts of this common disease. One way couples and individuals can get the support they need is to join an infertility support group. Organizations like RESOLVE have a vast network of support groups, and many large fertility clinics hold support groups for patients as well.

Relaxation Techniques

Most men and women dealing with infertility also struggle with overwhelming stress due to financial concerns, decision fatigue, and the need to manage complex treatment schedules. To help couples and individuals cope with infertility related stress, the fertility experts of IVF FLORIDA suggest that couples utilize relaxation techniques.

Some relaxation techniques that patients may find helpful include:

• Mindful meditation
• Yoga
• Develop a gratitude practice
• Deep breathing
• Regular exercise

The psychological impact of infertility can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools and support, couples and individuals can come out of their infertility struggle even stronger. To learn more about the resources available to you during your infertility struggle, or to schedule a consultation, contact IVF FLORIDA at 866.770.2168.