Mindset
Infertility and Mental Health
Infertility can have a profound impact on one’s mental health. When men and women find out that they can’t conceive, they may experience the same painful emotions as anyone coping with grief or profound loss. Common reactions include shock, frustration, grief, anger, decreased self-esteem, anxiety, and depression, but feelings about infertility can vary greatly depending on the source of the problems. Men, in particular, find it far easier to deal with a partner’s infertility than with their own.
How do fertility treatments affect people emotionally?
Along with being physically demanding, fertility treatments can also spark a roller-coaster of emotions each month, including hope, anger, disappointment, sadness, and guilt. Just the sight of a pregnant woman can evoke strong negative and stressful feelings. During this time, those struggling with infertility may pull away from friends and family who remind them of their difficulty with reproduction; some of their closest relationships may suffer.
How do fertility treatments affect sex and intimacy?
Couples might also find that their sex life suffers from the high expectations and routines of fertility treatment, as they may experience dips in self-esteem, desire, and performance. Sex, which was once a source of joy and emotional connection, can become a source of frustration and failure. Sharing complicated feelings and separating lovemaking from babymaking can help couples stay sexually connected during infertility treatment.
How do you deal with infertility when your peers are pregnant?
It’s normal to feel jealousy and other negative emotions when other couples seem to have no trouble conceiving. Managing pregnancy jealousy can be tricky. Instead of giving in to guilt, acknowledge your difficult emotions. Focus on what you can control—feel free to pass on other people’s baby showers, keep active in hobbies, join a support group, or talk to a therapist.
Does stress cause infertility?
No, but dealing with infertility can often lead to stress, depression, anxiety, and even, in some cases, PTSD. If you notice that you (or someone you care about) are suddenly experiencing difficulty making decisions, severe disorganization, or dependency issues, it’s time to take stock of your mental health.
Source: Psychologytoday.com
How do fertility treatments affect people emotionally?
Along with being physically demanding, fertility treatments can also spark a roller-coaster of emotions each month, including hope, anger, disappointment, sadness, and guilt. Just the sight of a pregnant woman can evoke strong negative and stressful feelings. During this time, those struggling with infertility may pull away from friends and family who remind them of their difficulty with reproduction; some of their closest relationships may suffer.
How do fertility treatments affect sex and intimacy?
Couples might also find that their sex life suffers from the high expectations and routines of fertility treatment, as they may experience dips in self-esteem, desire, and performance. Sex, which was once a source of joy and emotional connection, can become a source of frustration and failure. Sharing complicated feelings and separating lovemaking from babymaking can help couples stay sexually connected during infertility treatment.
How do you deal with infertility when your peers are pregnant?
It’s normal to feel jealousy and other negative emotions when other couples seem to have no trouble conceiving. Managing pregnancy jealousy can be tricky. Instead of giving in to guilt, acknowledge your difficult emotions. Focus on what you can control—feel free to pass on other people’s baby showers, keep active in hobbies, join a support group, or talk to a therapist.
Does stress cause infertility?
No, but dealing with infertility can often lead to stress, depression, anxiety, and even, in some cases, PTSD. If you notice that you (or someone you care about) are suddenly experiencing difficulty making decisions, severe disorganization, or dependency issues, it’s time to take stock of your mental health.
Source: Psychologytoday.com
