FAQ- IVF Anxiety Fertility Expert Answers Questions To Reduce Your Stress Related To IVF

Dr. Esha Sharma ,Fertility Consultant, Nova IVF Fertility East, Siliguri

With the support of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in-vitro fertilization (IVF), couples who face infertility can hope for conception. But the treatment involves several stages of psychological, emotional and physical challenges leading to anxiety and stress. Here are a few answers to some common questions related to stress during IVF:

1. Why does IVF involve a lot of stress and anxiety?

As the couples want their IVF treatment to be successful, waiting for the outcome of the treatment is a major stressor. There are many factors which cause stress and anxiety among both men and women while on IVF treatment like financial stress and high costs of the treatment, dealing with side effects of the treatment, risks of multiple pregnancies and anticipation of the results. Other factors like moral or religious issues and reduced sexual intimacy among couples can trigger anxiety.

2. What are the signs of anxiety?

Some of the common signs of anxiety and stress are:

• Worrying excessively, irritability and difficulty in concentrating
• Feeling restless and panicking
• Rapid heart rate
• Fatigue
• Difficulty in falling asleep
• Obsessive thoughts or overthinking

3. How can one emotionally prepare oneself for IVF?

Before starting your IVF cycle, you must gather knowledge and information about the treatment. Your relationship must be on track, and you should discuss your expectations from the treatment beforehand.

Do not make or focus on any other major changes in your life like shifting to a new home, changing a job or thinking about any family situation. Prepare for decision-making and discuss your options with your physician. Prepare yourselves to know how many embryos will be transferred and what can maximize your chances of becoming pregnant. At the same time, knowing the risks involved in the treatment is better. If you prepare yourself well before IVF, you can reduce the chances of getting anxious or stressed about several factors in the future.

4. What are the coping mechanisms of such stresses?

You must identify your stresses by picking out the worries and thoughts which are troubling you the most. They can be related to whether you think that pregnancy will not happen or regret your decision for not opting for an early pregnancy. Once you identify and accept your worries, you can think about coping mechanisms that may vary among partners. For example, women may need their partners to listen to them and make a mutual decision for the ongoing process.

You can do some physical exercises to reduce anxiety and its effects. Laugh more and try to find humour in everything as it will be good for your health. You can even take some stress management classes, do yoga, meditate and listen to calm music.

5. How to reduce stress during the waiting period?

Try to divert your mind from worrying about the results by talking to a few friends and family who can support you. Stay in touch with your doctor during this time. Take a few deep breaths whenever you feel anxious or going through an anxiety attack. Do not just focus on negative thoughts. Sometimes, you can worsen the situation more with your thoughts. Try to accept that you do not have control over everything. You can only control the choices you make for yourself daily.

6. What are some self-help strategies?

Take out some time for self-care from your busy schedules. Some self-help strategies can help in managing stress like:

• Make some lifestyle changes like adding exercise to your routine. Make some social connections, instead of isolating yourself.
• You can take help from some support groups who deal with similar issues.
• Do things that you enjoy doing except for daily chores.
• Involve yourself in some relaxation activities.

7. Why family support is essential?

As we know that, infertility itself may bring stressful situations among the couple and at the same time pressure from family members may aggravate the situation. So it is wise to share what is underway with the family, so that in any situation they are there to support your decision. It is also the responsibility of the family members to support the couple in whatever decision they make, so that their journey towards parenthood becomes smoother.