Coping with the Stress of Infertility

Many studies have examined the stress of infertility and fertility treatments. There is intense psychological stress that comes from wanting children but not being able to have them. Sometimes financial burdens secondary to expensive fertility treatments can further complicate stress levels.

For years, doctors have suspected a link between stress and infertility. A recent study found that higher than average perceived daily stress interfered with reproductive hormone levels and increased the likelihood of sporadic ovulation. While there is no strong evidence showing that stress prevents a woman from conceiving, this study indicates it could make it more challenging to conceive.

Stress busters

Stress is not an easy enemy to overcome, you can’t tell a stressed person to be less stressed and expect results. Fortunately, there are many techniques available to battle stress including daily meditation, regular exercise and good nutritional habits.

Find activities or spaces in your life that you enjoy. Make an effort to include enjoyment into your daily and weekly routines. Some doctors recommend scheduling fertility-free days where you don’t think about trying to conceive and do something for you. Try talking to your partner or a friend to enlist help learning to relax.

You’re in it together

For couples seeking fertility treatments, everything about your lifestyle changes. The daily injections and required monitoring can add stress on a marriage. Furthermore, the emotional stress of not being able to conceive may lead to depression. Everyone manages these feelings in their own way. Understanding your partner’s needs and communicating about your emotions can help alleviate some of the tension you’re both facing. Respect the fact that you’re both working through the process in your own ways. Consider seeking guidance from a counselor or therapist specializing in fertility counseling.

Does infertility lead to divorce?

A 2014 study evaluated the link between infertility and divorce rates. Although fertility treatments often increase the amount of stress for couples, the study did not find an increase rate of divorce. Childlessness does not lead to divorce but it could bring up a reason to redefine your wants and desires for your future together. Many couples choose to get counseling prior to undergoing fertility treatments. Communication between you and your partner is essential to cope with the stressors that infertility can present.

Set goals and expectations

Possibly the most effective way to cope is by setting some guidelines.

• Realize this is no one’s fault. Infertility happens to nearly 20% of all couples trying to start a family.
• Keep the lines of communication open between you and your partner.
• Allow yourselves time separately and together to grieve and be upset.
• Set limits on how long you want to have fertility treatments and create a budget.
• Talk to your friends and family openly about your concerns and struggles.
• Join a support group. Connect with others struggling with the same highs and lows that you and your partner are experiencing.
• Have a regular exercise regimen. Having extra endorphins released in your body’s natural way of coping with stress.
• Consider adding yoga to your current routine (with your doctor’s blessing, of course). This will help you find balance in the process.

Keeping a journal and meditating regularly will help the journey. Most importantly of all, stay positive as there are amazing medical advances that have great success rates.