stress and fertility article, interesting!

[Moorebetter]

For women and their partners who are struggling to conceive, the frustration and distress of infertility can be overwhelming. Coping with infertility is difficult and can affect almost all areas of a person’s life. Recently, three separate studies have shown that the distress levels of women experiencing infertility is the same as the distress experienced by cancer patients. Additionally, research has also shown that as many as 40% of women struggling with infertility also experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, or both. Clearly there is a relationship between the medical side of infertility and the emotional impacts on individuals struggling to conceive. Research has begun to validate the importance of a holistic approach to the treatment of infertility. This research has shown that treating the emotional aspects of infertility actually improves pregnancy and birth rates.



There are many medical and psychological examples of the power of the mind body connection – the self fulfilling prophecy, the impact of expectancy on outcome, the placebo effect, even the power of prayer – are all manifestations of this powerful relationship. Learning to shift negative thought patterns to more positive and hopeful ones has been shown to be an effective tool in both reducing the stress and depression associated with infertility as well as increasing one’s physical health.


Complicating the emotional impact of infertility on a person is that typically, infertility is experienced by a couple. Partners are typically not in the same places emotionally with their reactions to the diagnoses, treatments options and outcomes. Often, the woman is ready for the next step before the man is; although this dynamic may also be reversed. Additionally, the emotional reaction to infertility for men and women is quite different. One study of IVF patients found that 48% of women reported infertility was most upsetting experience of their lives while only 15% of men felt this way. With such differing perspectives and reactions, certainly the couple may experience strain on their relationship as they attempt to cope individually and together.

 

[No Doubt]

This is very interesting. I had seen someone else post that the stress of infertility is equivalent to the stress of having a terminal illness. I believe it, and everything else the article says. I definately think that me and the hubby wanted the same thing, but had considerable different reactions. I cried the first month we tried and it didn't work out...he kind of chuckled and was like "awww babe, we know it's going to take a bit". He wasn't being mean, he was just worried cause he thought there was something seriously wrong and but it was just that I hadn't fallen pregnant in month #1. He was more relieved...looking back almost two years, I can appreciate the chuckle.

About 12 cycles in when we found out that on top of me having pcos and an underactive thyroid, hubby has a low sperm count, the roles changed. I became the one telling him all the positive "it's ok" or "it's no one's fault" and became the downer who blamed himself and felt like he's trying everything he possibly can and it's just not working.

I've had my mental moments but we recently came to a place where we were actually on the same page and had a great conversation about ttc, and it definately is less stressful and more relaxing in our home. We're taking a break from meds and docs for a while and really just leaving it up to God...I'm not even sure I want to go back to the docs. So praying definately helps as does you and your mate being on the same page.

I have thought about acupuncture, but I'm not keen on all the needles. I have however thought about pampering myself a bit with massages

 

[Moorebetter]

Aw massages sound amazing!!!!!!!!!
Gl to you and your hubby! ❤

 

[PinkPeony]

Thanks for posting this! I've been thinking a lot along these lines lately. I don't feel like I'm dealing well with the emotional side of TTC and I really want to get a handle on it so it doesn't make matters worse. Not sure how to do that, but I do really believe in the power of the mind/body connection. Basically I'm trying to stop worrying about everything that's out of my control and focus on improving the things I can control. It's not an easy thing to do of course.

 

[Moorebetter]

ive thought about Yoga

 

[PinkPeony]

Me too!! I've actually resolved to do yoga everyday from now on (done it for the past 3 days lol!). I haven't done much yoga for the past 6 months or so but I know when I am in the habit of doing it often I definitely feel better - more at peace and in control.

 

[Moorebetter]

GREAT!!! I hope to start soon anything to get rid of th stress!

 

[PinkPeony]

seriously... It's gotta be having an affect! Need to get some positivity over here!!