Supporting Your Partner Through IVF: A Guide To Nurturing Mental Health

In life, we often face unexpected challenges, and one such journey is going through In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) as a couple. The emotional ups and downs of fertility treatments can be overwhelming. This guide is here to offer support and practical advice on nurturing mental health during the IVF process.

Dr Satish Kumar CR, Clinical Psychology, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru explains the IVF process and how you can take care of your mental health throughout this journey.

Dr Kumar said, “The process of IVF involves the preparatory phase where the person is initially prepared with multiple medications in the form of injections, and sometimes that can be painful and also severe. It can be an emotionally and physically taxing journey for couples struggling to conceive naturally or through other assisted reproductive techniques like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). The arduous journey of IVF may not yield immediate results, with some candidates having to undergo second, third, fourth, or even fifth attempts.” However, there is still hope. According to a study published by StatPearls, Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual activity for women under 35 or after 6 months for women over 35.

The process of IVF involves painful injections, hormonal ups and downs, and gastrointestinal complications. The mental state of IVF candidates is often filled with apprehension and trepidation due to past unsuccessful attempts and the uncertainty surrounding the procedure's success. However, according to StatPearls, IVF has been used to conceive more than 5 million children worldwide since 1978.

Also Read: World IVF Day 2023: Different Technologies That Boost Chances Of A Successful Fertility Treatment

Challenges and Anxiety during IVF

Dr Kumar informed, “IVF candidates face high levels of stress and anxiety during the process, which can impact their success. The modest success rates of IVF, ranging from 20-30%, often necessitate multiple attempts. This prolonged journey, coupled with uncertainty, can lead to a decline in motivation, feelings of anxiety, and even depression.”

Crucial Role of Partners

Partners play a vital role in providing emotional support and compassion during the IVF journey. Understanding, encouragement, and positivity are key elements partners should offer, along with acceptance of setbacks or delays. Simple acts of care and spending quality time together can make a significant difference in helping the candidate feel loved and supported.

Managing Expectations

Dr Kumar added, “IVF candidates should adopt a balanced perspective, being optimistic yet realistic about the outcome. Understanding that setbacks are a possibility can help manage emotional burdens. Partners play a significant role in providing essential emotional support during this process. Also, the constant questioning from family members and friends about the IVF progress adds to the emotional burden, making individuals feel demotivated, negative, and pessimistic.”

Dr Kumar suggested, “Simple acts of cooking food, making tea, providing massages, and spending quality time together can make a significant difference in making the candidate feel loved and accepted. It is essential to foster an environment of support and acceptance, refraining from making candidates feel like they are carrying a burden or experiencing a disease. Instead, they should be reassured of their worth and importance, especially in the context of bringing a new life into the family.”

Also Read: IVF Queries: Expert Answers 5 Questions On How To Get Pregnant With IVF

Bottomline

Dr Kumar concluded, “Candidates must understand that IVF is a trial, and they should anticipate both positive and challenging outcomes. Regardless of the results, they must remind themselves that they will be alright. In this regard, the partner plays a significant role in providing essential emotional support to the individual undergoing IVF.”

Disclaimer

This article contains information provided by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult with your expert for any queries or complications.