IVF is a medical procedure in which they fertilise an egg with sperm in a lab and then transfer the embryo into the uterus. It’s a complicated process that requires careful monitoring and medication, and it can be extremely stressful.
Part of the IVF process involves hormone therapy, which means taking medications to regulate and stimulate the production of hormones needed for ovulation and pregnancy. These meds can sometimes cause side effects like bloating, weight gain, mood changes and irritability. It’s totally normal to feel anxious and stressed during IVF. The process can be emotionally and physically draining, and there are often a lot of unknowns and uncertainties.
It’s important to find ways to manage this stress, because it can have an impact on your physical and emotional well-being.
Here are some tips for managing stress and anxiety during IVF:
- Talk to your healthcare team: Talk to your doctor or nurse about your feelings and concerns. They can give you support and information to help you better understand the process and what to expect.
- Get support from friends and loved ones: It can be helpful to have a support system of people who understand what you’re going through and can provide emotional support.
- Practice self-care: Take care of yourself by getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and doing things that help you relax and de-stress.
- Find ways to cope with negative emotions: This could include talking to a therapist, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, and finding healthy ways to express your emotions.
- Stay positive: It can be helpful to focus on the present moment and try to stay positive, even when things don’t go as planned. Remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and it’s important to be kind to yourself and give yourself credit for the steps you’re taking to achieve your goals.
Overall, counselling can provide a supportive space for individuals and couples to address their feelings and concerns related to fertility and IVF. It can be an important part of the process for many people undergoing this treatment.
Counselling in your Area
It is important for individuals and couples who are considering in vitro fertilisation (IVF) to receive support and counselling before and during the process. IVF can be a physically and emotionally demanding process and it is natural to have a range of feelings and concerns.
Counselling and psychotherapy can help individuals and couples cope with the emotional challenges of IVF and increase the chances of a successful outcome. Some common issues that may be addressed in counselling and psychotherapy for IVF include:
- Stress and anxiety related to the IVF process
- Coping with the physical demands of IVF, such as injections and medication
- Managing expectations and dealing with the possibility of failure
- Communication and relationship issues related to infertility and IVF
- Grief and loss related to infertility or previous IVF failures
- Coping with the emotional impact of using a surrogate or donor eggs or sperm
Counselling and psychotherapy can be provided by a variety of mental health professionals, including psychologists, therapists and counsellors. It is important to choose a professional who is experienced in working with individuals and couples facing fertility challenges and who is licensed to practice in your area.
Online Counselling for IVF
Online counselling, usually on zoom, is a way for individuals to receive counselling and psychotherapy remotely through the use of technology, such as videoconferencing or phone calls.
Online counselling can be a convenient and effective option for individuals and couples who are seeking support during the IVF process, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person visits may not be possible or may not feel safe.
There are a number of advantages to online counselling for IVF, including:
- Convenience: Online counselling allows individuals to receive therapy from the comfort of their own home, eliminating the need to travel to a therapy office.
- Flexibility: Online counselling can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for the individual or couple, allowing them to fit therapy into their busy schedules.
- Comfort: Some individuals may feel more comfortable discussing sensitive topics, such as infertility and IVF, from the privacy of their own home.
It is important to note that online counselling is not appropriate for everyone, and it is important to choose a therapist who is licensed to practice in your area and has the necessary training and experience to provide online therapy. It is also important to ensure that the online platform you are using is secure and confidential.