There is so much to take into account when considering in vitro fertilization. Rewards are innumerable, but also the challenges/difficulties that accompany such an effort can sometimes become unbearable. Now that we know that by taking the right steps you can prevent certain psychological hazards so that your attempt to grow your family through in vitro fertilization will become a positive experience and improve your life.
WHAT TO DO
1 See a psychologist specializing in fertility issues
A psychologist can help you (individually or as a couple) to cope with the feelings of depression and anxiety associated with IVF, to process your feelings and to deal with your negative thoughts that can contribute to anxiety and depression and to suggest different ways to deal with these emotions. A psychologist is the person who can support you during your treatment and listen to you with positive regard and understanding.
2. Look for social support
Do not be afraid to contact your family and friends when you need support if you know that these people can hear you and make you feel comfortable even letting yourself cry in front of them. Give your loved ones the opportunity to help you through this experience. It is important to feel and be supported by the people who are close to you.
3. Join a support group (internal or external to the clinic)
A support group can be a huge source of comfort and encouragement during IVF, it can help you meet and connect with other people who face similar difficulties and challenges, share experiences and advice, and meet other people facing similar challenges. Ask your doctor for referral.
4. Work together with your partner / spouse
Communicating is of great importance as well as setting limits. It is helpful and equally important to plan the time to discuss IVF, but also the time when you will not talk about it (for example, the next one). The process of in vitro fertilisation is demanding in physical, mental and mental settings and requires proper management (to escape where and when) as well as organisation (time to discuss important issues). For example, you can talk beforehand about your hopes and expectations from each other or decide whether you want to be together in all appointments or to be informed about the results of the examinations.
5. Prepare others
Make sure you schedule the timetable or changes to your work plan in advance. Eliminate the source of anxiety by letting know your employer in advance with about possible late arrival at your work or unforeseen absence from it in order to visit the clinic and meet with your doctor.
6. Discover stress management techniques
Having a hobby, creative expression of emotions (through music, painting, etc.), physical exercise (e.g., swimming, walking in nature, cycling), yoga, meditation, and in general, the practices of the mind and body, breathing techniques and massage are all extremely effective ways to reduce daily anxiety and build mental resilience during in vitro fertilisation. These are some ideas that in practice provide you with fun, entertainment and a welcome escape from the demands of the reality of life and in vitro fertilisation.
WHAT NOT TO DO
1.Avoid the use of unreliable sites
Avoid negative comments because in unreliable blogs it is easy to feel frustrated when reading negative comments. Keep in mind that other people’s experiences may not be your experience.
2.Do not make your life complicated
IVF can be similar to another full-time job. Because it requires large reserves of physical energy and emotional strength, it is important to know that these will not be enough for new plans and new programs. Now is not a good time for commitments and great projects or for looking for a new job.
3.Do not leave decision making at the last minute
Preparing for difficult decisions goes beyond budgets. Predict potential problems that you will encounter and think about how to deal with them beforehand.
4.Keep the worst case scenarios away from your thoughts
It is not possible to predict the future. But, what is the benefit of imagining the worst that happen in the future? If you catch yourself engaging in negative thoughts and scenarios for the future, try to replace them with positive images and desired possible developments. Imagine your embryos as they are implanted. See yourself relaxed and calm, receiving good news from your doctor. Reconsider these negative thoughts and “put” in their place other more realistic ones. Remember that each IVF cycle is a new opportunity with a potentially new result.
5.Stay focused in the present
Perhaps, coping with the myriad details of IVF sometimes seems unbearable: medication, follow-up, instructions, possible outcomes. All this can be too difficult to accept. If you find yourself too stressed by the process, focus on the present. Come back to the here and now, what is happening right this moment. What to do today, not
6. Don’t stay in the dark
Ask questions. Try to learn the terminology and understand the results of your efforts. This tactic allows you to feel that you have better control over what you can not predict. If you need help, ask your doctor to recommend a good book or a site for IVF.
Of course, it is not possible to eliminate any pressure from the IVF experience, but the above measures will help you more than you imagine. Most importantly, remember that you are not alone: your dilemmas, concerns and fears are common, of course, and are reported by people who choose IVF all over the world. Surely, attempting to treat fertility is a serious decision and a courageous act. Regardless of the outcome of the IVF cycle, you are committed to realizing your dreams and taking life into your hands. You managed to do what you could to bring a child to the world. This in itself is something that makes us very proud.
Smagda Maria -Assisting Nature Psychologist
