Infertility sucks. It is like a huge bomb went off and was a direct hit into the planning of your life. Everything feels unfair. Everything seems so far are out of control that you honestly feel hopeless and helpless. If you are reading this right now, you can probably relate.
You may have shared this struggle with family or friends. You may be too embarrassed to. But either way, you are struggling with this and want someone to talk to. But sometimes family and friends struggle to give you what you need. They may want to "fix it" or "comfort" you, but you find yourself holding in tears and reminding yourself that "they mean well." This struggle often isolates you farther into a sense of despair and loneliness. (Not to mention the discomfort you feel when you have your grandmother giving you sex positions to help you get pregnant!)
This brings you to right now and reading this. Can fertility counseling help? Here are a 6 signs that fertility or infertility counseling may be right for you.
What is Fertility & Infertility Counseling
Infertility counseling is a form of psychotherapy designed to support individuals or couples who are faces challenges around fertility. For example, you might work with an infertility counselor if you are struggling to conceive a child, considering using a sperm or egg donor, or thinking about adoption or surrogacy. Infertility counselors also help clients work through so of the common infertility issues:
The initial diagnosis of infertility for either partner (female infertility, male infertility, combination or unexplained infertility).
Being diagnosis with medical conditions such as PCOS, early onset menopause, endometriosis, cancer, or chromosomal issues when trying to conceive and working through the devastating emotions.
Struggling with the heartbreak, grief, and loss that repeated miscarriages can have on a couple.
Making the decision to adopt after infertility or deciding to end efforts to building your family entirely and many strong emotions that come with it.
Will fertility counseling be helpful for you?
Here are a few signs that that infertility counseling and therapy would benefit your journey.
Infertility Is taking over your life.
This is the number one reason for seeking the help of a licensed counselor. When you are trying to have a baby and get the diagnosis of infertility for either partner (female infertility, male infertility, combination or unexplained infertility), your whole life can change. Being diagnosis with medical conditions such as PCOS, early onset menopause, endometriosis, Cancer, or chromosomal issues when trying to conceive can be devastating. The heartbreak, grief, and loss that repeated miscarriages can have on a person can be debilitating.
Infertility hurting your relationship.
From "timed intercourse" to "rapid mood swings cause by fertility treatments"... maintaining intimacy, communication, and a healthy relationship may feel impossible. Infertility is often stressful for both individuals and couples, and it can cause significant strain in relationships between partners. Sometimes, these stresses can lead to symptoms of common mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. If this is the case for you, infertility counseling can be a helpful way to move through these challenges.
You not sure what to do.
Hopelessness and helplessness can infect and challenge your ability to navigate your next steps. Test test If you are exploring your feelings and thoughts about this life altering experience and feel isolated .
You considering Other Options.
If you are considering your options for building a family, such as assisted reproductive technology, alternative treatments or adoption, you may want someone who you can explore each option. you Exploring your feelings and thoughts about this life altering choice can be daunting on any couple. Having an professional guild you through this process can make all the difference.
You considering a child-free life.
Making the decision to end efforts to building your family entirely comes with so many strong emotions. Hopelessness and helplessness can infect and challenge your ability to navigate your next steps.
Ready to take the next step?
Here are some things counseling helps with:
Creating a road-map for self-care.
Give you a safe space to explore difficult thoughts and emotions.
Navigating difficult decisions in accordance with your values.
Help cultivate supportive relationships.
Help you develop ways to communicate with difficult family members.
Managing anxiety during medical procedures.
Easing unwanted thoughts and emotions.
Resources that may be helpful:
Books
If you think you could benefit from support on your journey to parenthood, we'd like to talk to you about how we can help. To learn more about infertility click here. Call today for a free phone consultation or email us to schedule an appointment.
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