Infertility treatment is a physically and emotionally bewildering experience for most people and it is common to feel depression, grief, anxiety, and stress throughout the process. The frequent office visits, insurance issues, the need to juggle work with doctors' appointments, and the strain on the couple's relationship all make infertility treatments among the most stressful experiences that people can face.
Many couples and individuals experience stress, sadness, and even shame, as a result of their infertility. You and your partner may have different responses to infertility diagnosis and treatment. People have different attitudes toward letting family and friends know about the infertility, or that they are going for treatment. Support groups can be a valuable option for individuals and couples with infertility because they may help alleviate feelings of isolation, though people have different attitudes about sharing their experiences in a group. Depression is common in couples with infertility. If you or your partner is feeling depressed, or unable to carry out your normal activities because of feelings of being overwhelmed, you should speak with your physician about how you are feeling.
There are mental health providers (such as psychiatrists, social workers, and psychologists) who specialize in infertility. These therapists see individuals alone, or as a couple, and can help not only with the emotional aspects of treatment, but also offer strategies for dealing with work or home conflicts that come up because of the need for frequent testing and treatments.
Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you through this stressful process.
RESOLVE: Founded in Massachusetts, this is a self-help organization that provides support and information to couples undergoing infertility evaluation and treatment. www.resolve.org
PO Box 541553
Waltham, MA
02454-1553
Telephone: (781) 647-1614
Website: www.resolveofthebaystate.org
Email: admin@resolveofthebaystate.org
Internet sites: There is a wealth of information, and misinformation, on the web. It is important for you to review with your doctors any information gathered on the web.
Mind/Body programs: These programs focus on the feelings couples have about their infertility, and not on their treatment success or failure.
If you need a gynecologist, primary care physician, specialist, or more information on services at Brigham and Women's Hospital, call our Physician Referral Service at 1-800-BWH-9999 or visit our web site at www.brighamandwomens.org.
Table of Contents - Infertility Patient Guide
