Coping with the Side Effects of Infertility

Coping with the Side Effects of Infertility
Cultivating Resilience by Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellness

By: Natasha Moore  

Fertility challenges affect 1 in 6 couples worldwide, impacting not only their ability to conceive but their overall quality of life and mental well-being. Anxiety and depression are the most common side effects of infertility, but this is not an exhaustive list of symptoms, as the true depiction of what the mind and body endure is a profound and unique experience. Prioritizing mental health and wellness is one way to cultivate resilience while navigating the tumultuous journey of infertility.  

Understanding the Side Effects of Infertility 

Infertility is defined as the “inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse or impairment of a person’s capacity to reproduce either as an individual or with his or her partner.”
(Infertility, CDC)  

The psychological impact of infertility begins well before couples walk through the doors of a fertility clinic. The compounding cycle of hopeful highs and devastating lows of disappointment have already been experienced for approximately one year. “Struggling with infertility is like dealing with the five stages of grief every single month. You deny, bargain, get angry, cry and accept. Then you pick yourself back up and do it all again.” (Waiting for Baby Bird, blog)  

The complexity of the medical condition includes an array of emotional adjustments: 

1. Stress of infertility diagnosis 
2. Infertility associated identity crisis 
3. Dealing with the ongoing infertility treatment 
4. High possibility of unsuccessful treatment cycles 
5. Choosing treatment options (IUI, IVF, donor programs, adoption, etc.) 
6. Uncertainty of outcomes of consecutive cycles 
7. Unwanted effects (repeated cycles of treatments, multiple gestations, going in for fetal reductions, high rates of miscarriages, limited live birth rates, and other obstetric risks).
   (National Library of Medicine, Mindfulness Interventions)  

The profound impact of infertility can produce a negative emotional state of helplessness, self-doubt, shame, hopelessness, and feelings of inadequacy surrounding the challenge to conceive naturally. Such anguish may elicit mental health challenges and lead to isolation without support. 

In a 2016 study completed by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine found that 56% of women and 32% of men scored in the clinical range for depressive symptomatology, and that 75.9% of women and 60.6% of men scored in the clinical range for anxiety symptomatology at one or more assessments.
(National Library of Medicine, 2016 study) 

Benefits of Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellness 

Developing a strong foundation of mental health and wellness habits acts as a catalyst for psychological stability and resilience while on the journey of uncertainty. Prioritizing mindfulness, physical activity, and connecting with others for emotional support can help reduce stress. 

Tips for Cultivating Resilience During Infertility 

Practice mindfulness  

Mindfulness is an effective meditation intervention that helps decrease stress, anxiety and depression by intentionally focusing on the present moment, noticing thoughts and emotions without judgment. Mindfulness activities include deep breathing, guided imagery, practicing yoga, gratitude journaling, and positive affirmations.  

Engage in Physical Activity 

Regular exercise includes 30 minutes of movement three to five times a week and is effective in managing depressive and anxiety symptoms. Physical activity such as walking, yoga, and swimming are considered the best for fertility; consulting with a physician is encouraged to determine the most appropriate form of exercise that supports specific health diagnoses.  

Seek Emotional Support  

For military Service members and their families, the Military and Family Life Counseling Program offers free non-medical confidential counseling to help military families thrive through unique transitions. 

Joining a supportive community can foster shared understanding, validate your experience, create a sense of belonging, and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.  

Seeking psychotherapy is a safe place that offers comprehensive support for families. Therapists teach healthy emotion regulation and coping strategies to manage anxiety and depressive symptoms. Families can express and process a range of emotions; reclaim their sense of self; explore treatment options and prepare for treatment outcomes.  

Taking advantage of the free mental health services provided through your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is also a great resource. Check your military or federal employee benefits for more details of programs and services offered.  

Closing  

Infertility affects 17.5% of individuals and families worldwide. The facets of infertility encompass extensive medical procedures and emotional fluctuation responses between hope and hopelessness. It is imperative to prioritize self-care habits focusing on mental health and wellness to provide a reliable framework that builds resilience. Preparing the mind and body with mindfulness, physical activity, and seeking support makes unexpected challenges more manageable and can positively impact your fertility journey.