Women undergoing infertility treatment have reported in a new study from the USA that it made them less happy in their relationship and affected their sexual health in a negative way.
This is no surprise at all. Any form of infertility treatment – whether it’s IVF, ICSI or IUI – puts huge pressure on any couple. Many couples who see us have spent considerable time trying to conceive before finally arriving at our door for help. Those months and even years of not getting pregnant will already have put them under strain.
Add the stress of infertility treatment and the emotional ups and downs of going through it on top of that, and you can see why so many couples report the same feelings of pressure, regardless of where the ‘source’ of the problem lies, whether it’s with them or their partner.
If you’re having trouble conceiving, are about to embark on treatment or are thinking of seeking infertility treatment, remember that the feelings which you may be experiencing – guilt, frustration, even anger towards your partner – are completely normal.
It’s why we put so much emphasis on counselling here at Manchester Fertility. We find it really does help as too often couples just don’t discuss their feelings with each other – often for fear of upsetting their partner and putting them under more strain. Typically one partner may be shouldering the ‘blame’ if they are the cause of the fertility problem, or feel that they have somehow ‘failed’ their partner by not giving them a baby as easily as they’d hoped.
It does help to have an impartial third person to talk to who understands the affect infertility has on a couple, and our experienced counselling team here at Manchester Fertility are here to listen to you at any time during your treatment.
You may not feel comfortable discussing how you’re feeling one to one with your partner, and having someone there who will listen to both of you and give you guidance can really ensure that you get through the emotional rollercoaster of treatment together. Counselling is offered to all our patients regardless of the treatment path they are on.
You can request a session at any time, remember our nursing team are also here for you, to help you through treatment – even if it’s just providing a listening ear.
Last updated: 7th November 2012
