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Going Through IVF: How to Cope

Sometimes, couples can’t fall pregnant naturally and have to seek out help in the form of IVF treatments. In Vitro Fertilisation is the removal of an egg from the woman’s ovaries which is then fertilized with sperm in a lab and returned to the woman’s womb. It isn’t guaranteed that the woman will fall pregnant, and it can be a very challenging, emotional and nerve-wrenching time. But, you shouldn’t let this stop you from trying to attain what you want: a family. If you find yourself struggling to cope with the overflowing emotions and worries during this time, talking to somebody is important. Many people find that they struggle to articulate how they are feeling to their partner as they don’t want to add to their worries or pain. You may feel guilty or want to keep up a positive appearance in front of them. In these cases a counsellor can be the perfect outlet you need. Read on to learn more about how difficult the period of IVF treatment can be, and how you can calm your nerves and release any anxiety.

Stressful Experience

While you want to remain optimistic about your IVF treatment, it can be a very stressful experience. Sadly there is not a 100% success rate and there is often a rigorous period of procedures and testing that take up your time and leave you feeling worried, concerned and in some cases ashamed. Once the embryo has been implanted, it’s a waiting game till you can take a test and find out if you are pregnant. During this time you can stress yourself out trying not to get your hopes up yet still be disappointed if it doesn’t work. Sadly it can become a vicious circle as it is harder to conceive when you are stressed.

Financial Concern

IVF is available on the NHS, but there is a list of criteria you have to meet before you can be offered the treatment. Even then, you have a limited number of ‘tries’ before you are no longer provided with help. Some people don’t want to wait the time that the NHS demands you try natural measures for before going down the IVF route, and in some cases, you may not meet the criteria at all. This is when you would have to pay privately for this procedure, and unfortunately, it isn’t cheap. You don’t want to associate this time of hope with money, but you can’t separate them either. With thousands of pounds being dedicated to trying to fall pregnant, without any guarantee, you can find yourself worrying about how much money you can afford to part with and what may happen if you run out of money before successfully conceiving. This can lead to anxiety over money and the pregnancy, as you grow concerned over your financial stability.

Be Open and Honest With Your Partner

One way to cope with the IVF process is to be open and honest about your feelings and concerns with your partner. You are both going through this process together, even if you won’t be physically carrying the child yourself and you both need to be prepared for the good or bad news. If you let your feelings stay bottled up, you can cause extra stress and worry for yourself and your partner, which isn’t ideal when trying to get pregnant.

Seek Help in Counselling

Sometimes stressful situations like going through IVF treatments can lead to severe mental health issues like depression and anxiety, especially if the treatment doesn’t seem to be working. While you want to work through this with your partner and loved ones, it might be helpful to reach for outside help. Therapy, whether alone or as a couple, can help you to understand your emotions and come to terms with the mental health struggles you face. By understanding your mind more and taking expert advice from a professional, it can make coping with this tough journey easier.Don’t let depression or anxiety swallow you up during this tricky period of your life. If you think therapy could benefit you and your partner, relieving you both of stress and worry, then contact me today for more information on my services.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]