Psychological Impacts Of Infertility

Conceiving a child and becoming a parent is a beautiful feeling. However, not all couples are blessed with this gift. The problem of infertility is experienced as a stressful situation by individuals and couples all around the world. This includes both societal repercussions and personal suffering. 

Psychological effects on women

Women always have a strong desire for motherhood. Failing to achieve this wish can have a significant influence on their minds and can cause stress. Stress eventually results in imbalances in the hormonal level, such as elevated prolactin levels, disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and thyroid dysfunction. These hormonal imbalances gradually affect the menstrual cycle. In some circumstances, this will affect ovulation or ovulation that does not occur, and fertilization cannot take place.

Psychological effects on men

Psychological effects of the inability to conceive do not limit only in women. Men carry a more substantial psychological stigma than females. Men are very hesitant to open up as they fear the title ‘unmanly.’ And therefore, they suffer in silence. 

Being able to get their partner pregnant is often considered or defined as a sign of manhood. Being infertile can steal that title from a man and will leave him feeling emasculated. Thus male infertility is always stressful.

Psychological Outcomes of infertility

As a result of being unable to conceive over a long period can push the couples down into emotional and psychological imbalances. They might experience symptoms such as:

•  Loss of interest in normal activities
•  Depression 
•  Strained interpersonal relationships
•  Constant worry about infertility
•  High levels of anxiety
•  Difficulty concentrating
•  Difficulty falling asleep
•  Sleeping more than usual
•  Change in appetite or weight
•  Increased use of drugs or alcohol
•  Thoughts about death or suicide
•  Social isolation

Impact on a relationship

Infertility can hurt the relationship as well. The stress that evolves as a result of infertility can provide rejections and sadness. Lower success in infertility treatments can also cause anxiety and depression, which can negatively affect the relationship. 

Studies show that couples who are relaxed and free seem to get pregnant easily with assisted reproductive techniques than those who are under pressure and stressed.

Solution

One thing that couples should remember is that all these emotions, all these stress are temporary. Seek the right treatment, give some time, and be patient. Think positive. Every treatment will take its time and avoid feeling like a victim. 

If you think you are losing your control and things are slipping out of your hand, ask for expert psychological help. Medications and proper counseling, or both can offer the best treatment outcomes. Following a healthy lifestyle, eating nutritious food, getting regular exercise, and ultimately keeping yourself busy is also essential.

Blog Reviewed By: Dr Anitha Mani
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