Fertility & IVF Counselling

Requirement of Fertility Counselling

The news of infertility can hit a couple like an avalanche. It can erode at almost all aspects of their life, impacting the couple’s relationship, their day-to-day functioning, their social life, and even their self-image. Many-a-times, couples can get traumatised to a degree where they may start feeling depressed, anxious, or extremely sad. The pain can become grief that can be as intense as grieving the loss of a child or a loved one.

In such a situation, having a strong support system is very necessary but couples may find it awkward to talk about their feelings with family members or friends. Often, family members may change their attitude and start putting undue pressures or relatives may become judgmental. At such times, infertility counselling or IVF counselling can be very helpful.

The counsellors at Motherhood Fertility & IVF Centre understand that each couple has unique needs and issues and therefore are open to speaking to each partner individually before starting couple’s therapy. They also see the case through the end to ensure that the couple has stabilised, has a positive outlook towards life and is able to cope with their daily commitments and social situations.

When do you need IVF Counselling?

If one finds themselves feeling extreme sadness, guilt, or grief to an extent that their daily functioning is hampered, one should consider seeing an infertility counsellor. At the same time, if you’re feeling like you cannot talk to your family or friends about your emotions after receiving the news of infertility, speaking to a counsellor will help.

A few signs and symptoms of needing infertility counselling include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, or worthlessness
• Low self-worth and self-esteem
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Withdrawal from social life
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory issues
• Use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco
• Suicidal thoughts
• Marital problems
• Crying spells
• Problems with sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Feelings of hopelessness

Steps & Benefits of Fertility & IVF Counselling

An infertility counsellor can be helpful throughout your infertility journey at various stages. From the minute you receive the news to conception, infertility counselling can make your journey smoother, emotionally. 

Here are some of the ways having an IVF counsellor can help:

Pre-Treatment Counselling

• Better communication after receiving the news: One may feel extremely disappointed and distressed when they find out that they cannot get pregnant naturally. One partner may feel that the other might cheat on them, leave them, or not support them at all. Or, one of the partners may be ready to offer support but the other might start isolating themselves. Having infertility counselling may help iron out these issues and re-establish healthy communication between couples. A counsellor may also help the couple admit their feelings, vent out, explore their emotions and start being honest with each other to find feasible solutions.
• Deal with depression and sadness after diagnosis: Couples are prone to feeling depressed and sad after an infertility diagnosis. They may feel unworthy, undesired, or listless and for some, there might be suicidal thoughts as well. In such cases, infertility counselling may help couples accept their situation and deal with it in a rational manner.
• Deal with anger and jealousy: It is natural for many couples, especially women, to feel anger and jealousy towards couples who have children or expecting mothers. They may not be able to deal with those emotions while attending baby showers, birthdays, or even pregnant women. They may start withdrawing themselves, stop socialising with their friends who have children or decline invitations to events where children may be present. This may end up making the woman lonely and isolated and having a fertility counsellor can help her socialise and be accepting of herself and the situation.

During Infertility Treatment

• Work through stress and anxiety: Once a couple decides to go through infertility treatment, there may be many anxious thoughts and feelings that crop up. Families may also pressurise them to try out as many options as possible or they might be opposed to the treatment altogether. There may also be stress about finances as some treatments tend to be expensive. IVF Counselling may help talk about these feelings and emotions may help the couple navigate these situations better.
• Stay positive: There are plenty of taboos associated with infertility that make it difficult to stay positive and stick to one’s decision. Many couples may end up opting out of the treatment or even encounter fear of failure. This may altogether lead to a negative attitude towards the treatment and the procedures. Fertility Counselling may help with normalising the treatment and inducing a positive attitude. The IVF counsellor may present the positive outcomes and make the couple feel hopeful.
• Support & implication counselling: IVF Counselling helps the couple understand how the treatment process will work, the implications on lifestyle, diet, and their sex lives. The couple also needs to decide that a treatment plan is okay for them. In cases where donor eggs, sperm or embryos are required, and where legalities are involved, counselling is very important. The counsellor also explains side-effects and risks that a treatment process may include.

Post-Treatment

• Strengthen commitment: Many couples may feel that their marriage is pointless if the treatment does not work, and they cannot bear a child. Having an infertility counsellor can help couples revisit their relationship, revaluate their couple goals, and strengthen their commitment towards each other.
• Bust myths and misconceptions: Families and relatives may not treat a baby born through IVF the same way as a biological child. Family Counselling and IVF Counselling may help with busting these myths and misconceptions.

How Do I Find an Infertility Counsellor?

Infertility counselling is necessary at every step of the way when you are undergoing fertility treatment to help you cope with the treatment process and deal with your emotions in a healthy manner. Infertility counselling reduces stress, anxiety and helps you if you’re depressed, feeling moody or extremely sad.