Fertility & Infertility : Care &

Counselling

Emotional Challenges During Fertility

Struggles
Infertility can be a challenging journey that takes a toll on a person's emotional well-being. The
inability to conceive can lead to feelings of sadness, frustration, and even shame. These emotional
challenges can further exacerbate mental health issues and create a complex interplay between
infertility and mental well-being.

Social stigma, negative stereotypes, barriers, gender biases, discrimination, cultural expectations
adds to the loneliness of couples facing fertility issues.

Infertility & Mental Health Statistics

The prevalence of infertility and its impact on mental health is significant. According to the
Harvard Mental Health Letter published in May 2009, individuals experiencing infertility are
more likely to experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression compared to the general
population. The letter also highlights the importance of addressing mental health concerns
alongside fertility treatments to optimize outcomes.

Additionally, studies have shown that women experiencing infertility have similar levels of
anxiety and depression as individuals with cancer, HIV, and heart disease. These statistics
underscore the need for comprehensive mental health support throughout the infertility journey.

The Psychological toll on Sub-fertile Couples

Fertility issues have short-term and long-term impact on couples and families. It is significant and
can vary from person to person. For many individuals and couples, the desire to have a child is
deeply ingrained, and the inability to fulfill this dream can cause feelings of grief and loss. The
constant cycle of hope and disappointment during fertility treatments can also lead to heightened
levels of anxiety and stress.

Female infertility & psychological wellbeing

Infertility can cause significant anxiety and emotional distress in women and couples. Studies
have shown that infertile women are twice as likely to suffer from mental disorders than infertile
men. Women who are undergoing fertility issues may also experience different reactions to
medical procedures that may trigger their depression and anxiety.

Male Infertility and Its Impact on Mental

Health
Infertility is not solely a female issue; it also affects men. Male infertility can have a profound
impact on mental health and well-being. Men experiencing infertility may feel a sense of
emasculation, questioning their masculinity and self-worth. They may also experience feelings of
guilt and shame, believing that they have failed to fulfill their role as a provider and potential
father.

Supporting men's mental health during infertility is crucial and uncommon in Indian scenario.
Encouraging open communication and providing a safe space for men to express their emotions
can help alleviate the psychological burden. Seeking out psychotherapy and support groups
specifically tailored to men experiencing infertility can provide valuable resources and emotional
support.
Insights on Infertility treatments, Coping in
IVF/IUI cycles and Mental Health
According to the Harvard mental health letter, 2019, infertility treatments can be emotionally
taxing, often involving invasive procedures, threat, hormonal fluctuations, and the constant
anticipation of potential success or failure. Many a times, a successful treatment results in a
pregnancy, that aborts after a few weeks of continuation. Thus, both achieving a pregnancy, its
continuation, recurrent miscarriages/complications and achieving childbirth, is a challenging
journey. The stress is real and shared not just by the couples, but also by the doctors, nurses and
other fertility care staff.

Therefore, treatment guidelines, highlights the significance of support systems and mental health
interventions in mitigating the emotional toll of infertility.

Most of the medically assisted reproductive treatments (e.g. IUI, IVF, ICSI, Donor programs and
surrogacy), can be burdensome in many ways. Thus, best practices for fertility care for couples,
around the globe (i.e.,ESHRE,ASRM, NICE,ICMR etc), emphasizes the need for a
multidisciplinary comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects
of infertility.
At PCRH , we offer multiple level, multiple specialized care, not just before treatment
cycles but during and after treatment periods too. This is irrespective of the outcomes of
IUI/IVF cycles. Which means that even if the cycles fail / the couple faces miscarriages or
wishes to drop-off from IUI/IVF cycles, the psychological therapies are continued. Our
progressive efforts help you to plan your fertility and treatment journey, your way, to aid in
greater personal choice and freedom, faster recovery/ healing and better psychosocial
preparation of couples and their families. All our treatment protocols are highly evidenced
based and adhere to the following pathway of multi-comprehensive collaborative care:-

PCRH Model for Provision of Psychosocial therapies for Sub-fertile couples, during various
stages & outcomes of treatments (Based on ESHRE guidelines, 2015).

Best Mental Health Interventions for

Infertility , IVF Coping and Pregnancy Loss
offered at PCRH, Udaipur.
Coping with pregnancy loss can be an incredibly difficult and emotional experience. It is essential
to prioritize mental health during this challenging time.

Our team works together, to deliver mental health interventions for individuals experiencing
subfertility & these often involve a combination of psychotherapy, support groups, and self-care
strategies.

Therapy can help individuals process their grief and navigate the complex emotions that
accompany infertility. Support groups specifically tailored to infertility can offer a sense of
community and validation, allowing individuals to share their stories and find solace in
connecting with others who have had similar experiences. Engaging in self-care activities, such as
exercise, meditation, and journaling, can also aid in the healing process.