Psychology during your fertility treatment

1
Minute read

Written by
Andrés Soot
Published on
24/2/2023
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When two want to become three: psychology during fertility treatment for couples

One of the most important decisions a couple can make is to bring a new member into the family. This is not a simple journey; having a baby is a challenge for any couple. However, when conception becomes difficult, the complications increase. Starting fertility treatment is physically and emotionally draining. In a stage full of emotions, expectations, and learning, it is important for future parents to have support. This is where psychology during fertility treatment can make the journey easier.

Why seek couples therapy?

Although there is no such thing as "psychology to get pregnant," couples therapy can help improve communication at home. During the journey toward fertility, it is common for misunderstandings to arise between partners. Lapses in empathy, power struggles, and clashing visions are frequent in marriages. However, these differences do not mean there is a lack of love; rather, they are the result of being on different pages. And, although the existence of "psychological infertility" has never been proven, an environment of stress and pressure can indeed make conception more difficult.

Common problems for couples in fertility treatment

When going through fertility treatment, it is common for couples to experience marital and sexual problems as a result of the defense mechanisms that arise during a crisis. Furthermore, the way men and women deal with infertility differs. On one hand, it is more common for women to experience depression and anxiety stemming from feelings of guilt—and although they are more likely to seek medical help, their response to negative results is often not optimal. On the other hand, men may experience high levels of stress resulting from male infertility and are more prone to wanting to end treatment. It is common for both people to try to hide their true emotions and, as a result, end up losing intimacy when it is needed most. Attending sessions as a couple with a mental health and marital specialist does not mean that no more problems will arise along the way, but rather that when they do, you will have the tools to handle them.

How to find psychological support during fertility treatment

First and foremost, the most important thing is to find the therapist who best fits your needs. It is essential that both of you feel comfortable; therapy should be a safe space that encourages growth. When choosing a specialist, look for someone who is compatible with you both. For example, if you are in an LGBT+ relationship, look for a therapist with previous experience. Or, if a gender perspective is important to you, find out if your psychologist incorporates this approach into their therapy. Sometimes, ideological, political, or religious differences can hinder the progress of sessions. Finally, inquire whether your specialist has experience in couples therapy and therapy for people undergoing fertility processes.

What to expect from therapy?

Once you have chosen a therapist, you will have a preliminary session to determine the most appropriate treatment. Some treatments may be aimed at addressing specific crises, others may be geared toward decision-making, and still others involve long-term therapy. Different forms of therapy suit different people, here you can learn more about them here. If you are wondering how to overcome depression due to infertility, therapy can provide containment and tools to deal with critical moments. These include the waiting period between fertilization and the pregnancy test, the collection of a semen sample, or even deciding what type of treatment is appropriate (or if undergoing treatment is right for the couple's future together). It is not just about learning how to relax to get pregnant, but about creating a functional support and understanding system.

At Fertilidad Integral, we are very aware of the difficulties a couple can face when looking to have a new baby. That is why our clinic offers psychological support specialized in fertility processes. This way, we save you the trouble of searching for a specialist, and you can find all the support you need during this process in one place.

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