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
Mail us: giftivfkerala@gmail.com
Book an appointment: giftivf.com/book-appointment

An unforgettable experience

During the long course of my career as an infertility specialist, I have met thousands of patients yearning for their own kids and by God’s grace,  I could be instrumental in bringing happiness to quite a few of them. I treasure each of those memories, but some of the cases are very special and unforgettable. I would like to share the story of an amazing couple which is very close to my heart.

After several failed attempts of infertility treatment in another hospital, the couple came to me with the hope of conceiving. They were overjoyed when she conceived in the very first attempt of IVF  cycle. Although we never advise patients to get admitted or take complete rest after IVF, they insisted that they want to stay at the hospital for the full term. This is a stark contrast from most of the other patients, who are reluctant to get admitted even if there is medical intervention. I had advised them to go home, but this couple was so eager and concerned about their babies that they wanted to stay around and make sure that they get expert help. They felt more safe  & secure with us than in their own house. When twin pregnancy was confirmed, we were all overjoyed.

Staying at the hospital for so long, they became so close to us and the hospital staff that they were like part of our family. It was like a second home for them, the lady made lots of paintings in her spare time and the couple would walk around the organic farm around the hospital.  After eagerly waiting for nine months, the twin babies were delivered via caesarean as there was some obstetric indication.

The excitement turned into shock for us, when the second twin appeared to be suffering from down syndrome. Although we were not sure, prima facie it seemed like that. One of the most difficult experiences in a gynecologist’s life is when we have to disclose the possibility of down syndrome to the parents. With exacerbating pain, expecting an outburst I reluctantly gave them the news. But to my utmost surprise, they took the news very well, both the father and mother smiled at me and said that they would love and take care of the child, just like the other twin.

There were tears in my eyes when I came back from my rounds and joy filled my heart at the thought of the unconditional love and selfless commitment of the parents. It was not just a momentous decision on their part to make a baby, they were committed from the deep abyss of their heart to give pure and continuous love to their kids despite any adversities.

Even though they were discharged after a week, they requested to stay back for ten more days, which again proved the trust factor. I made an exception to my policy of not taking gifts from my patients and cherish the handmade ornaments, dress, and painting, which she gifted me before they left for the long journey back home.

Dr. Anita Mani

Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre

anitadane@gmail.com
www.giftivf.com 

+91 484 2475031,  +91 484 2475034, 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dr. Anita Mani is a renowned infertility specialist in south India with 18 years experience in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). Dr. Anita has successfully set up ART hospitals in Cochin and Bangalore,  along with her spouse  Dr. S Mani. She completed MRCOG, from Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologist  London, DFFP from  ART Warwick university and  worked in UK for 5 years. Dr. Anitha believes in scientific and ethical practice and is currently the director of Gift Gyno IVF centre Cochin and  Bangalore.  Apart from advanced laparoscopic surgeries, she is also an expert in various ART techniques including IVF, IUI, ICSI , donor egg / sperm. Her proficiency is in genetic abnormalities and high risk pregnancies.