Dealing With Infertility

 

Everyday, couples all over the world deal with the disappointment of infertility. Infertility can be one of the most difficult things to deal with as a couple. We have all heard stories about couples or known couples personally who tried and tried to get pregnant to no avail. Then, after going through the adoption process and adopting a child or multiple children, find out that they are expecting a child of their own. While no one knows exactly why this tends to happen a lot, many experts suspect that it may be due to the stress of infertility. Once this stress is removed, women may be better able to achieve pregnancy.

While this has not been scientifically proven, it does make since. That is because stress is bad for your health. This fact has been scientifically proven in study after study. Stress has been linked to a host of medical problems including depression, obesity, heart disease, cancers and many others. Consistent stress on your body can lower your immune system and make you more susceptible to sickness and fatigue. So, the question becomes, how can you best deal with stress so that it does not negatively affect your infertility?

If you are struggling with infertility and are stressed about the fact that you have not been able to achieve pregnancy or to carry a pregnancy to term, it may be helpful to talk to someone who has been through a similar experience. Your OBGYN can most likely give you information about support groups and other resources available to help couples deal with infertility. You may also consider talking to a professional such as a family counselor or psychologist. Participating in light exercise such as walking, biking, hiking or yoga may also be helpful. Prayer and meditation are also good means of stress relief. And, as they say, “laughter is the best medicine”. Spending time with people you enjoy and engaging in activities you enjoy can really go a long way in relieving your stress.

Thankfully, there are a variety of treatments that can be used to treat infertility. These include Clomid, Artificial Insemination (AI) and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). However, before these treatments are considered, it is necessary to try to pinpoint the cause of your infertility and to rule out any other health issues that may be contributing to the problem. If you are frustrated because you have tried to become pregnant for six months or more and have not been successful, the first step is to visit your OBGYN. He or she can then recommend the next step based on your medical history and your symptoms.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Carlos Alarcon, Marietta OB-GYN Affiliates, P.A.