Psychological Preparation

Infertility is a challenging topic of discussion for most couples. Even while trying couples tend to get anxious or depressed especially if they are having difficulties in getting pregnant. The main thing to understand is such emotional and psychological issues tend to overtake reproductive health and may interfere in reaching a successful pregnancy.

It is essential that both the partners – man and wife are on the same page when they make the decision to have a baby. This is because apprehensions, the stress of bringing up a child, uncertainty, just add stress and interfere with the body’s reproductive system and hormones. This may lead to infertility.
It is best to plan, even if you did not do it before. Even if you have waited many years, you as a couple must be clear on all your options – should you opt for an IVF? etc.
You need to be in the right frame of mind and clear on what decisions to take in case any situation arises – how many cycles is ok? Going for treatments, etc. All these play a major role in impacting fertility as it has been proven that your mental state does manifest physically in the form of disturbances in the normal functioning of the body.
 

Social pressure, family, and society can be cruel to a couple unable to have a child. Infertility is not only the woman’s problem but equally the man’s too. So, blaming one another just acts as a stressor rather than a helper in such a situation.
If a medical basis for infertility has been discovered, the infertile partner usually feels a sense of guilt that they have compromised their spouse′s ability to have a child.
Another emotional reaction to infertility is depression. The depression may be cyclical and coincide with phases of the treatment cycle, or it may be acute and precipitated by a specific event, such as a family holiday or the announcement of a family member′s or friend′s pregnancy. Fortunately, for most women the depression is short-lived. But coping with the failure of treatments, and endless wait for the pregnancy test to turn positive may sometimes push a partner to stop trying completely.
But in such scenarios, it is best to remember that even for the healthiest of couples natural conception takes a lot of time sometimes even more than a year. The best is not to jump to conclusions and be disheartened. Talk to a doctor and get yourself and your partner medically evaluated to understand the cause of the delay in conception.
If these feelings develop with the treatment cycle, then it is best to seek the help of your partner or a loved one and talk to them about your feelings. Sometimes even seeking counsel from a psychologist is helpful in overcoming depression and guilt, during this phase.
Remember to support one another and discuss everything together. Read all information provided and ask questions if you do not understand anything.