Recognizing the Strain of Infertility
Contact Information
For Appointments
(608) 824-6160
(888) 474-3933
Infertility is not just a physical challenge; it is a real emotional challenge as well.
Even those people who approach their infertility treatments with enthusiasm and determination often find that it can be hard to manage the emotions involved.
Take a moment to consider whether you are having some of these symptoms. If you find that you are, help is available.
Are you having:
Even those people who approach their infertility treatments with enthusiasm and determination often find that it can be hard to manage the emotions involved.
Take a moment to consider whether you are having some of these symptoms. If you find that you are, help is available.
Are you having:
- Trouble concentrating
- Hard time getting anything accomplished at home or at work
- Hard time thinking of anything other than infertility
- Irritability towards partner, family, friends or co-workers
- Decreased interest in the things you like to do
- Sleep changes; sleeping more, sleeping less or sleep isn’t as restful as usual
- Appetite changes; maybe increased appetite or decreased interest in eating
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Over time, have you felt:
- Loss of trust in your body
- Loss of control over fertility and family planning
- Anger that fertility is in the hands of others
- Invisible and recurrent and unacknowledged losses
- Reduced self esteem
- Threat to personal security, control and faith
- Questioning of femininity or masculinity
- Questioning of sexual attractiveness and lowered sexual desire
- Pessimism
- Loss of the expectation that one controls their world
While these reactions are normal for those having infertility problems, they are also a piece of the infertility challenge that you can take charge of and improve.
Help is available. Through supportive services you can:
- Prepare for your treatment and the potential outcome
- Receive emotional support
- Express difficult feelings in a non-judgmental atmosphere
- Learn coping strategies
- Learn new ways provide and receive emotional support from your partner
- Discuss issues in a supportive environment as you make treatment choices
- Receive support during times of loss or disappointment
Please consider speaking with your health care professional about the supportive services that are available.
