Coping with emotions during IVF1,2

It’s important to keep in touch with your feelings and ask for help

Fertility treatment can be an extremely stressful time. You’re taking daily treatments and having quite invasive procedures, your hormones are all over the place, and you might be juggling other commitments at the same time. It’s vital that you keep in touch with how this is making you feel, and to seek help if you need it. Below are a few useful tips for doing this.

Remember – you’re not alone. There’s a wealth of advice and support to be found. Your clinic will be able to help and may offer a counselling service, and you can also find useful advice and local support groups via the Fertility Network UK and the HFEA .


It can take more mental energy to pretend that nothing’s wrong. Be realistic with yourself and know your limits.


Of course, men and women cope with emotions in different ways. But it can really help to let each other know how you’re feeling.


It’s good to have a positive outlook, and doing so will help you feel less stressed. At the same time, make sure you’re well informed about your chances of success so that you’re able to cope if your treatment doesn’t go to plan.


Don’t let infertility or your treatments take over your life. Try new things with your friends and family to help keep your mind off it.


Try activities that help you relax – yoga, acupuncture or anything else that helps you feel physically or emotionally calm.


You might not want to tell everyone about your fertility treatment. But it definitely helps to be able to chat with someone about how you’re feeling. This could be a friend, family member, an online fertility forum, or a professional counsellor.

If you’re considering professional help, try to find a counsellor experienced in dealing with fertility issues. Your clinic should be able to help you with this, and you can also find private counsellors on the British Infertility Counselling Association website.

References:

1. Fertility Network UK.


https://fertilitynetworkuk.org/access-support/support-groups/ (last accessed October 2021).

2. Human Fertilisation & Embrology Authority.


https://www.hfea.gov.uk/about-us/our-blog/how-to-thrive-and-not-simply-survive-during-fertility-treatment/ (last accessed October 2021).

UK-RMMH-2100026 | Date of preparation: June 2021

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