Feeling stressed due to Infertility?

Infertility stress can be a challenging experience and complex, affecting both couples and individuals. Life today has become very stressful, everyone agrees with me here, right? The positive side of lockdown is we are getting a breather from our hectic schedules and have time to ponder although the fear of the unforeseen looms large at the back of our minds. So every cloud has a silver lining and we should always look at the positive side of the grim situation. The same can be said about sub-fertility (I despise the word infertility). With myriads of options available out there, no one must lose hope of getting the joy of parenthood.

Reproduction is considered the most basic of human needs. And when the couple embarks on the journey, it is taken for granted that they will succeed within a year at the most considering that they are staying together for most of the time. I am saying this because just a few days ago, a lady came on verge of tears that her first attempt (of conceiving naturally) has failed and she had her period. I listened to her patiently and gathered that her husband was away on official duty during those crucial fertile days. So that is how you miss out on vital days and get anxious unnecessarily.

Since we come across a variety of patients, we find patients of varying temperaments. Some are happy go lucky and take everything in their stride. Infertility stress can also lead to anxiety, feelings of isolation, and depression. I remember this cheerful girl who failed to conceive in her first IVF cycle and was going for a second frozen embryo transfer cycle, while making small talk, I asked her whether she is still working. She replied that she has taken a break from work but utilizing the time at hand to learn to drive and music because she won’t find time for herself when she has a baby. And guess what! She conceived. I realized that a positive state of mind always helps. But expecting too much also can be counterproductive.

You concentrate all your energies on one particular thing and when the outcome is not favorable, the ensuing disappointment is too much to bear. This is a time when the couple needs strong psychological and emotional support from each other, from family, and from the treating doctor. Friends! We are there to meet all your needs, feel free to share your insecurities with us. As I have already said, among myriads of treatment modalities available, one of them is surely made for you. My advice to you all beautiful people…Never lose hope!

Dr. Manisha Shembekar
MD, DA
Joint Managing Director
Omega Hospital, Nagpur