Coping With an Infertility Diagnosis

Infertility is a very difficult condition to deal with, especially for couples who have been trying to conceive for many years. There’s a lot of emotional distress that comes with it, which can ofte

Infertility is a very difficult condition to deal with, especially for couples who have been trying to conceive for many years. There’s a lot of emotional distress that comes with it, which can often worsen due to peer pressure, constant questioning by family and friends and the couple’s own feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness.

Dr Kaberi Banerjee, the Medical Director of the renowned Advance Fertility & Gynaecology Centre, New Delhi, who has helped numerous patients, says that many come to her emotionally drained because, “Most patients think, this is the last option and if this fails, it is the end of their hope.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Dealing with female infertility can be physically and emotionally exhausting.” To cope with the ups and downs of infertility testing and treatment, consider these strategies: be prepared, seek support, exercise and eat a healthy diet and consider other options.

So, what can couples do to cope with the diagnosis of infertility? Having successfully handled over 6,000 cases, including complicated ones involving repeated IVF failures and surrogacy, Dr Banerjee says that, “If one is fully prepared for the process, then for many, IVF is a breeze.”

Tips to deal with an infertility diagnosis:

• Accept your emotions: This can help you understand and deal with the stress of undergoing treatments that may or may not increase your chances of conceiving.
• Talk to your partner: Maintaining good communication with your partner may help you understand better what the other person is going through and can help strengthen your relationship.
• Learn together: Take the time to understand the diagnosis, talk to specialists, connect with friends or family members with a similar diagnosis and educate yourself on the possible treatment options and outcomes.
• Join a support group: Talking to a group of people who share similar experiences might help you get a better perspective on your own situation.
• Undergo counselling: Talking to an unbiased specialist might help relieve stress and lead to some solutions.
• Let go of your emotions: A little catharsis can go a long way, so don’t bottle up your emotions — cry, scream and be angry until you find some relief.
• Eat healthy and exercise: A healthy diet and regular exercise can reduce stress, help you lose or maintain weight and also support emotional well-being.

Whether you are dealing with your own infertility, your spouse’s or both, be supportive through the whole ordeal and come out as a stronger couple who is ready to face the consequences.For further details, you can contact Dr Kaberi Banerjee, Advance Fertility & GyneCentre, +1-408-786-5724 or www.advancefertility.in.

References:

Parents. (n.d.). Coping with the Stress of Infertility. Retrieved from https://www.parents.com/getting-pregnant/infertility/causes/coping-with-the-stress-of-infertility/

Female infertility. (2018, March 08). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/female-infertility/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354313

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