Coping With Infertility
Coping With Infertility
Transcript
Dr. Roger Lobo of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine discusses various methods of coping with infertility.
Hi, I'm Dr. Roger Lobo with the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Today we're talking about coping with infertility.
Although assisted reproductive technology procedures are often successful they are not without difficulties. Psychological stress is common. It also takes a heavy toll on your finances and emotions. Some couples describe the experience as an emotional rollercoaster.
Anybody else that I have ever talked to who's considering IVF, I always tell them that it's important to have a good support system. Whether it be participating in an online support group, through community chats, or baby blogs - there's a wide network of infertility blogs that provide excellent support, which I would have never been able to live without. But if you're going to go through IVF you need the support. You need the emotional support. And you need to know that it won't be easy but you'll get through it. And there are people out there who will stand by you and help you through the process.
Because of the medications, careful monitoring during an IVF cycle with hormone testing and ultrasound, as well as laboratory expertise required, IVF is an expensive procedure. Nationally IVF costs several thousand dollars for each cycle.
Success rates vary and depend on many factors, including a woman's age, her ability to produce eggs, and the ability of her partner's sperm to fertilize her eggs. Patients have high expectations yet failure is common in any given cycle. Couples may feel frustrated, angry, isolated, and resentful. At times frustration can lead to depression and feelings of low self-esteem, especially in the immediate period following a failed ART attempt. The support of friends and family members is very important at this time.
Don't be embarrassed by the situation because a lot of people do feel like failures and they undergo a certain amount of embarrassment. Talk to people about it. Open up to people about it and you'll be surprised at the number of people that have undergone the same thing.
Couples are encouraged to consider psychological counseling as an additional means of support and stress management. Many programs have a mental health professional on staff to help couples deal with the grief, tension, or anxieties associated with infertility and its treatment.
Studies indicate that the chance for pregnancy in consecutive IVF cycles remains similar in up to six cycles. However, many other factors should be considered when determining the appropriate endpoint in therapy, including financial and psychological reserves. Members of the IVF team can help couples decide when to stop treatment and discuss other options such as egg and/or sperm donation or adoption if appropriate.
The physicians, support groups, and other couples undergoing infertility treatment can provide valuable support and guidance. To learn more check out our other videos on fertility or visit www.ReproductiveFacts.org
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Infertility is a medical condition that touches all aspects of your life. View the fact sheet
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