Taking Care of Your Mental Health During IVF Treatments
As you think about going through fertility treatments, you must also take care of your mental health. You and your partner will face an emotional rollercoaster, and you must maintain your mental health throughout this time. It is not surprising, and you are not alone. Couples currently in this process deal with great psychological stress and anxiety. This is related to an unfamiliar future and, of course, financial expenses. This stress can cause a mix of feelings- anxiety, irritability, etc.
How to Manage Emotions Throughout IVF Treatments
The process of in vitro fertilization is not always smooth for everyone, even in a top IVF center. Success rates prove that pregnancy is possible, but the journey can bring ups and downs. If possible, surround yourself with a strong support system, and take it one day at a time. Think about counseling if you feel that you and your partner need it. Let yourself calmly manage your thoughts, and give yourselves more understanding.
Check Your Thoughts and Fears
Identifying your worries is the primary step. Remember, do not judge yourself or your concerns. It is common to have internal dilemmas and questions regarding fertility, guilt, and health. Identify these, so you can process them gradually. Sometimes, most of these fears are unreal, and you must let go. Those you find true, accept and be proactive.
Change Your Thought Patterns
One way to change your thoughts is to look at the positive side. Think of how this situation will keep you closer and stronger together instead of worrying about your partner. Instead of fretting if treatments will work, consider how the whole team of doctors and experts will do their best to help you.
Get Real Answers
If there are still questions hanging around in your mind about the whole IVF process, list them down. Normal concerns would be about the process. Such concerns can be:
- How safe is IVF for me?
- Am I producing enough eggs, or do we need a donor?
- How will my partner feel in any case we require sperm donation?
- How invasive and demanding is the IVF process?
Once you have made your list, it is time to find more info. To do that, you might consider finding a facility with doctors that can make you feel at ease.
Communicate with the Experts
Doctors assisting you through the process will begin with an assessment and a workup. Couples undergo bloodwork and laboratory tests to ensure that they are healthy for the process and find what is causing the issue.
Doctors that suggest IVF treatments might start by giving you medication. They will be able to describe how eggs are retrieved surgically and how embryo transfers are done. They must clarify the details to you of a fresh embryo or FET fertility protocol to understand your options.
Ensure Understanding
Before you say yes to IVF, ensure you absorb all information. You must understand what will take place on your body, the extent of your physical capabilities and inabilities, and even the risks. Talk it out with your partner, with family, your best friends, or with your counselor. Once you find clarity, then you can begin the IVF process.
The Bottomline
As much as fertility treatments are about physical issues, they can impact your mental health. Being ready physically and mentally for this journey will benefit you and your partner. You can be more supportive, understanding, and compassionate to each other.