Chronic Infertility
Dealing with Infertility/Fertility Difficulties
Suppose you are dealing with primary infertility (inability to have a baby) or secondary infertility (inability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term after the birth of one or more children). In that case, you might be experiencing higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Some people reported this heartache being similar to those diagnosed with cancer, hypertension, or recovering from a heart attack.
About 5% of couples in the developed world experience some type of infertility issue. From the ones dealing with infertility, almost half of the women (and 15% of the men) reported that infertility was the most upsetting experience of their lives. For men, there is even a higher stigma of being infertile, and men could further suffer from low self-esteem, guilt, shame, and depression, as women do.
Signs and symptoms of suffering when going through infertility issues
The distressing emotions of infertility issues are familiar to those grieving any significant loss (losing your ability to procreate).
These symptoms are:
- Shock
- Grief
- Depression
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Anxiety-related sexual dysfunction
- Frustration
- Your relationship with your partner may suffer
- Your relationship with family and colleagues may suffer
- Diminished social interaction with pregnant friends or family with children
It is necessary to have a psychotherapist to help you go through your infertility issues and help you process the emotional pain, grief, or other symptoms, which may be connected to hurts of the past and uncertainties of the future.
Causes of infertility
Almost all infertility cases are overwhelmingly physiological, and the infertility issue itself can be exacerbated by the physical (hormonal injections or other treatments) and emotional rigors of the treatment itself. There are some studies connecting infertility to medication side effects or money worries.
How we treat individuals/couples dealing with infertility issues
We at Tampa Therapy Group often use an integrative approach to treat people going through fertility issues. We use techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychotherapy, Mindfulness, ACT, EFT, Gottman Therapy, and other types of therapy we’ve trained on and may be helpful in the treatment. We provide a non-judgmental environment where patients can find support and candidness to open their most inner feelings and thoughts. We provide support throughout the fertility treatment and during pregnancy and after birth for the mother, father, and family (if necessary). We help patients better their sleep patterns and provide information on managing fatigue, reducing stress, dealing with depression anxiety, and improving communication with each other and other people. We help individuals and couples to increase coping strategies and provide help with making decisions.
We also provide support and help couples make the difficult decision to stop seeking fertility treatment. Often, one partner wants to stop trying, as the other wants to continue, which can cause tremendous strain on the relationship. Open discussions of options for the family/couple are highly encouraged in session.
Typical outcomes of infertility issues psychological treatment
After completing treatment, patients can expect to move to a healthier level of functioning and acceptance. People who have completed treatment reported higher levels of well-being and more life satisfaction.
Consult with a psychotherapist to get help with your infertility issues right away. Dr. Rosana Marzullo-Dove and her group at Tampa Therapy Group use many techniques to treat individuals and couples who are suffering from stressors caused by infertility.
Call (813) 613-8587 now for a FREE 15-minute phone consultation.
