Infertility is a condition that affects men and women all over the world. According to data from the World Health Organization, one in every four couples living in developing countries is affected by infertility. However, it is difficult to define exact numbers for the prevalence of infertility worldwide due to the lack of standardized tools for conducting and reporting the diagnosis of individuals and couples. Over the years, the search for infertility treatment has increased due to the advent of more modern techniques and greater ease of access to these technologies. Along with this, there has been a rise in concern for the emotional and psychological aspects involved in this condition, with these factors now seen as necessary for a more complete and effective treatment of infertility. 
Many researchers have dedicated themselves to studying the impacts of infertility on mental health, as well as the effects of prolonged exposure to the various treatments that many couples must undergo when they want to overcome this situation. To give you an idea of the impacts of infertility, a study conducted with American women, for example, shows us that women who suffer from infertility feel as anxious or depressed as women diagnosed with cancer or who have heart problems. That is why we must pay special attention to this condition, which can cause such psychological suffering. In this article, we will talk a bit about how infertility can impact mental health and how we can handle this situation in a healthier way!
Psychological stress, anxiety, and sadness
There are many feelings that arise in couples facing infertility. The ones most frequently reported are stress, anxiety, and sadness. All of these feelings, when not excessive or constant, are normal and even healthy, as they are natural responses of our body to situations in our lives. However, we must be alert when these feelings become ongoing and start to affect various areas of life. Some women who go through infertility might have the following thoughts:
- “I will only feel complete when I become a mother.”
- “I am alone and nobody understands me.”
- “Nothing in my life will make sense until I have a child.”
- “My partner will leave me if I can’t get pregnant.”
These thoughts are common, but it is important to say that infertility is a journey that does not need to be faced alone, so paying attention to our feelings and thoughts is a good way to check when it’s time to be alert and seek help. Many studies, for example, have reported the incidence of depression in infertile couples undergoing treatment. It is noticeable that the longer the treatment lasts, the more frequent the chances of developing symptoms of depression and also anxiety. One study showed that patients who had already tried and failed treatment once had high levels of anxiety, and patients who had gone through two failed attempts showed a high level of depression when compared to other patients without a history of treatment. In women, depression is associated with abnormal regulation of the LH hormone, the hormone responsible for ovulation. Therefore, it is very important to have a healthy mental state to maximize the chances of conception. Our body is interconnected, so it is important to look for ways to keep your mental health as balanced as possible.
Some tips for taking care of your mental health
- Look for leisure activities – Many women facing infertility think about it all the time, which makes them stop enjoying moments and activities that used to be pleasurable. Planning some me-time, such as exercising, reading a book, painting, writing, among others, or going out with friends or your partner, are options that can serve as an outlet for these thoughts.
- Avoid baby showers and children’s birthday parties – If these events are situations that affect you and make you sadder, why not avoid them? In fact, this is a totally understandable behavior for women going through infertility. Just be careful that this does not turn into isolation. Choosing other events to attend, for example, is an option that may be enough for you to still keep in touch with your friends.
- Make more time for your relationship with your partner – In the midst of the dream of getting a positive test, sexual relations become planned in order to make the most of the fertile window. This can affect the relationship, as sex then becomes something only aimed at conception, and not an intimate and pleasurable moment for the couple. So, spending more time on your intimate relationship as a couple is also a part of promoting healthy mental health.
- Find support groups – Support groups are a way to show that we are not alone. Belonging to a group and being able to share experiences can ease the feeling of being alone or that no one understands your pain. It’s worth joining!
- See a psychologist – This tip is essential! Seeking help and support to guide you through the challenges of infertility is an important decision for anyone who wants a space to talk about their anxieties, distress, and thoughts without judgment. A good psychologist will offer support and guidance during this time, providing self-knowledge to help you deal with your emotions.
Investing in your mental health is very worthwhile, as our body works like an orchestra. So, if one part isn’t doing well, everything else is affected. That’s why it’s important to find a professional you trust, so this journey isn’t so painful and lonely. Important tip: Having helpful tools during your trying-to-conceive journey can make a big difference. That’s why we recommend ovulation tests, intimate gel, and many other alternatives that Famivita has created with love and care. Learn more here.
