Fertility treatment is a lot of things: evolving, scientific and effective for getting pregnant in many cases. One thing it isn’t, particularly for those couples trying to conceive, is relaxing. The treatment is an emotional challenge for many couples, filled with the ups and downs each month that can take a toll over time.
Coping with the emotional challenges of fertility treatment is important to your health, both physically and mentally. To that end, here are five tips for coping with infertility:
- Remind yourself of “other” things you like to do. It’s true; trying to conceive can take over as the number one thing you like to do with your time. However, before you started this process, you liked to do other things. It’s important to keep those activities as a part of your routine. If getting pregnant isn’t the only thing in your life, it can’t be the one key to your happiness.
- Feel it, but don’t dwell on it. There is no question that cycle day 1 can be tough when you are in fertility treatment. It’s healthy to acknowledge disappointment. Allow yourself to be angry, sad, frustrated or whatever else you feel. Take some time to write about it, or have a good cry, or call that friend who listens when you need to talk. Then, work at letting it go without dwelling on it for days so you can move on to the next step of your treatment.
- Resist the urge to blame yourself or your partner. No one is to blame. Infertility is a condition that needs treatment and patience. Work as a team, and you and your partner will weather the emotional challenges of fertility treatment, and in some cases come out stronger on the other side — successful or not.
- Support yourself. Call in the support of your friends and family to shoulder the emotional burden of fertility treatment on his or her own. Find a support group near you to talk with other couples struggling with infertility. Chat online with others. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help if you feel like you need it. There is no shame in asking for help from anyone.
- Take a break for a couple of months. Infertility treatment over time is challenging to your emotions, but it can be hard on your body, too. Know your limits, and don’t be afraid to take a month or two off if you need it. However, be sure to discuss your choices with your doctor before you do.
Trying to conceive with fertility treatment can be challenging, especially when you have been at it for a while. Coping with infertility is critical to your health. Take care of your emotional and physical health when you are trying to get pregnant, by using tips like these. You might find the journey makes you a stronger person, an excellent quality for any future parent.
Sources:
Gurevich, Rachel. “10 Ways to Cope When Trying to Get Pregnant Overwhelms You.” Infertility.about.com. Web. 15 December 2014.
https://www.parents.com/how-to-stop-worrying-about-getting-pregnant-8659657
“Therapists’ Top Ten Tips for Coping with Fertility Problems.” www.babycenter.com. Web. 15 December 2014.