Infertility Takes A Toll On Your Emotions

For the couple looking forward to getting pregnant and starting a family, an infertility diagnosis can be devastating. Few people talk about the emotional challenges of this condition. Infertility places a strain on relationships, increases depression, and raises feelings of hopelessness. There is additional anxiety from sharing the diagnosis, stigma from family, and figuring out the right solutions. Recent surveys reveal that 60% of infertility patients believe the diagnosis has negatively impacted mental health. Despite these challenges, there are ways for hopeful parents to feel empowered, primarily through infertility treatment. With the guidance of a reproductive endocrinologist, clarity and hope are possible.

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Working with your reproductive endocrinologist

People struggling with infertility will first engage with a specialist called a reproductive endocrinologist. This medical professional is skilled in diagnosing and treating infertility. The reproductive endocrinologist will ask questions pertaining to health, lifestyle, past efforts to conceive, and other concerning symptoms. These questions can help determine the best course of action. During the meetings with the reproductive endocrinologist, feel free to ask these 3 invaluable questions.

1. What tests are required for my specific case?

A critical part of working with the reproductive endocrinologist is testing patients to find possible root causes of infertility. For men, this includes physical tests and a complete sperm analysis. Poor sperm count or sperm health can lead to infertility. Women may require ultrasounds and blood tests, which can reveal ovarian reserve problems, fallopian tube damage, or challenges with the uterus. Hormone testing is also crucial, as hormones play a critical role in reproduction for men and women. The results can help determine the best treatment options.

1. What treatment options are available?

Infertility treatment has evolved to include a series of strategies that increase the chances of pregnancy. The reproductive endocrinologist may first recommend lifestyle changes or the use of hormone medication to increase the chances of natural conception. If these fail, advanced treatment is recommended. Treatment falls under assisted reproductive technology (ART), referring to any process that handles eggs and sperm outside the body to help with pregnancy. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) are the most popular options, with many other strategies in between that can increase success rates. The fertility team will provide all the treatments so the patient can make the best decision.

1. What are the risks and success rates?

Fertility treatment is not without risks and side effects. For instance, patients may experience side effects and complications from hormone medication. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) because of hormone medication use is a common example. Some patients may experience discomfort or pain during some medical procedures. Another risk is that infertility treatment is not guaranteed. Statistics show IUI has a 20% success rate, which is the same rate as natural conception. IVF can be higher, but age and health impact success. The fertility team will discuss the risks and success rates to help navigate treatment effectively.

Common types of ART

IUI involves medically inserting a prepared sperm sample into the woman’s uterus for pregnancy. IVF is much more complex, with embryos created in a clinic after extracting multiple follicles from the woman’s ovaries. One or more embryos are then surgically implanted into the uterus. Sometimes, IVF is supported by other techniques or strategies to increase success rates. Single embryo transfers, assisted hatching, and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) are common examples. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is used to fertilize an egg during IVF, is another effective method in cases of severe male infertility. Where appropriate, donor eggs, sperm, embryos, or surrogates may be necessary. These treatments are customized to meet the needs of the infertile individual or couple.

A difficult but fulfilling journey

Infertility should not be the end of the road but the beginning of a journey of hope. Thanks to science and medicine, there are options available. The first step is to talk to a specialist who understands this condition and can help with the appropriate steps for treatment. Even with a solid strategy, the emotional wounds remain. Couples are encouraged to get support from trusted friends, family, and groups that work with similar cases. Practice relaxation, journaling, and mindfulness techniques to reduce stress. With the right treatment, parenthood is possible.