Undergoing fertility treatment can be a very emotionally charged time. NOW-fertility Founder Professor Luciano Nardo shares why an emotional support team should be an essential part of your fertility journey:
It is important to seek additional care for your mind, as well as your body, when you are embarking on fertility care. Your fertility doctor and nurse are an important part of your journey, but make sure your team also includes therapists or counsellors, as well as your close friends and family. Together, they form your support network, working together and caring for you during this life changing journey.
Your fertility process may have ups and downs, and it is important to be prepared. I always recommend to my patients to have counselling before they start their journey, and not just when problems may arise. There is evidence to demonstrate that women and couples who are emotionally supported are more likely to achieve a positive conception outcome, because they have the emotional resilience to persevere for longer.
Experts agree that stress can affect patient’s decision making process and ability to continue with fertility treatment. Emotional wellbeing and support are crucial, and anything that can reduce the level of stress, whilst maintaining your positivity is likely to offer you an advantage, and enhance the chances of IVF success.
High stress levels can be experienced any time from the early days of trying to conceive, to waiting for a pregnancy test after embryo transfer. If you are struggling to get pregnant and are considering fertility treatment, I would recommend finding some emotional support. A therapist can share their expertise about overcoming challenges, and supporting each other, while speaking with your friends and family can make you feel less alone on your fertility journey.
Undergoing IVF can be time consuming, demanding on your body and emotions and demotivating. Ensuring you are emotionally prepared can make all the difference in your fertility journey.
