Posts Tagged ‘emotions’
Wednesday, October 26th, 2011
It’s no secret or surprise that stress can rear its head when it comes to couples and individuals facing fertility treatments. In fact, a recent report from the UK suggests that more than three quarters of those experiencing infertility or fertility issues rate their stress level as the highest they’ve ever had in their lives.
Again, this isn’t a shocking revelation; however, it does give pause as to how men and women going through fertility treatments can better cope with their situations.
Beyond the usual suggestions to relax, put the issue into perspective and eat well, we at the Reproductive Science Institute (located in Wyomissing and Chesterbrook, PA) have some other ideas as to how you can minimize the stress that can be attributed to dealing with fertility concerns:
1. Talk about your feelings with a trained professional. It’s never a good idea to hold in your emotions, especially when you’re undergoing a potentially life-changing experience. Whether you speak with a counselor, member of the clergy or a psychiatrist, it’s essential that you discuss what you’re feeling inside rather than allowing it to build.
2. Gather information and understand what’s happening… but try not to obsess. It’s always good to understand what’s about to happen; but sometimes, too much information can be a very bad thing for couples and individuals entering into fertility treatments. If you become too engulfed in data, you may unnecessarily increase your stress levels.
3. Be open and honest with your fertility specialist. Finally, it’s essential for you (and your partner, if applicable) to be honest with your fertility specialist. If something feels amiss or you have concerns, speak up. You’ll get your questions answered, and that will seriously help you automatically lower your stress levels.
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Tags: Chesterbrook Pa, Clergy, Counselor, Couples, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, emotions, Feelings, Fertility Concerns, Fertility Issues, fertility specialist, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Infertility, Men And Women, Perspective, Philadelphia Area, Psychiatrist, Reproductive Science Institute, Shocking Revelation, Stress Level, Stress Levels, Stress Reduction, Three Quarters, Wyomissing Pa
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Wednesday, October 5th, 2011
It’s no secret that fertility treatments can elicit a host of emotional responses from the individuals and couples involved. That’s why it’s such a smart idea to really plan for the ways to deal with your feelings ahead of time.
Even if you are the most optimistic person in the world, it can be challenging to stay positive, especially if fertility treatments are proceeding slower than you’d like or if the options presented to you are not what you expected.
As you proceed with your investigation into the right fertility treatments for your situation, why not take the following factors into consideration?
1. Set up an appointment with a counselor.
Many therapists and counselors specialize in helping those who are undergoing fertility treatments. They can give you feedback on your (very normal) emotions as well as providing you with ways to get through difficult times.
2. Don’t define yourself by your infertility.
Many people fall into the emotional trap of thinking of themselves only in terms of their infertility. Remember that you are someone who has a lot to offer, and are not simply a man or woman who is having issues conceiving.
3. Be open about the way you feel.
Females and males who are undergoing fertility treatments can sometimes “shut down”, essentially pretending that their emotions aren’t happening or, alternatively, aren’t important. But they most certainly are!
4. Plan fun activities.
Don’t worry about fertility treatments 24/7! Start planning some fun activities to do alone and with your partner. Go out to eat, head for a hike in the woods, take a walk along the water… and reconnect with yourself and your relationship in a way that doesn’t have to do with pregnancy.
5. Stay on top of your emotions.
Finally, it’s critical to remain “on top” of your emotions. You may even want to start a journal so you can track how you’re feeling on a daily or weekly basis. This will help you achieve a stronger sense of confidence and poise throughout your fertility treatments.
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Tags: Appointment, Counselor, Counselors, Couples, Difficult Times, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Emotional Responses, emotions, Feelings, Females, Fertility Treatments, Fun Activities, Infertility, Many People, Optimistic Person, Partner, Philadelphia Infertility, Pregnancy, Reading PA Infertility, Relationship, Reproductive Science Institute, Rsi, Smart Idea, Stay On Top, Worry, Wyomissing PA Infertility
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Wednesday, September 7th, 2011
For couples undergoing fertility treatments, stressors can sometimes seem quite overwhelming. On one hand, any change in a partnership can be challenging, but on the other, infertility shouldn’t lead to the dissolution of a relationship.
To help you keep your commitment strong throughout fertility treatments, we’ve come up with seven suggestions. Feel free to leave a comment if you have others that have worked for you!
1. Don’t make infertility the “center stage” of your relationship. If all you do is talk about not being able to conceive, it will overtake your time together.
2. Make plenty of time to be together as a couple. Go to the movies, take a walk in the park, stay overnight in a nice hotel… doing so will strengthen your bond and help rejuvenate you both.
3. Spend time apart with friends. Everyone needs and deserves some space. Making plans to hang out with people other than your significant other will help you recharge.
4. Talk about your emotions as you’re undergoing fertility treatments. It’s important not to make fertility treatments the “elephant in the room”. Be open about your feelings and you’ll reap the rewards.
5. Go to a counselor if the strain becomes too great. Don’t allow your relationship to simply become more and more strained. If it’s gotten to a serious point, seek out help. (Often, your fertility specialist can assist you in getting a referral.)
6. Eat well and exercise, even if you don’t feel like it. The healthier you are inside and out, the easier it will be to handle anything that comes your way. (And working out can be yet another “to do” item you can enjoy together!)
7. Take it day by day. When times are a bit challenging, it’s sometimes helpful to remember that “this too shall pass”. Each day is another opportunity to learn, grow and love.
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Tags: Center Stage, Counselor, Couples, Dissolution, Dr. Hearns, Dr. Munabi, Elephant, emotions, Feelings, fertility specialist, Fertility Treatment, Fertility Treatments, Great Don, Infertility, Nice Hotel, Partnership, Philadelphia Infertility, Plenty Of Time, Reading PA Infertility, Referral, Relationship Help, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Rewards, Rsi, Stressors, Walk In The Park, Wyomissing Infertility
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Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
This year, Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 8. Stores will be filled to the brim with cards, gifts and trinkets that celebrate moms of every age and stage. Unfortunately, for those who have dealt or are currently dealing with female infertility, Mother’s Day can seem a cold reminder of their situations.
Keeping this in mind, it’s important to approach this holiday with more than a modicum of thought and respect but without going overboard.
If you’re the friend or partner of someone who is going through female infertility:
- Don’t make a big deal out of Mother’s Day, but don’t avoid her, either.
- Don’t talk about her female infertility issues on Mother’s Day unless she wants to talk about them.
- Don’t worry about offending her every time you open your mouth. Women experiencing female infertility may be sensitive (after all, it is a sensitive subject), but that doesn’t mean they don’t want others to celebrate their other motherhood (or the motherhoods of their relatives.)
If you’re someone who is going through female infertility:
- Remind yourself that Mother’s Day is simply one moment on the calendar. Plan to spend the time doing something for yourself.
- Don’t assume that when people talk about their Mother’s Day plans that you are being deliberately excluded. Most probably won’t realize that you have mixed feelings about the topic.
- If your mother (or another female in your life who is a mom) deserves a “Happy Mother’s Day” greeting, feel free to give it to her. After all, it can often help you to reach out to another person.
- If you know of another person going through female infertility, give her a call. You can talk with one another about the day and perhaps use the opportunity as a springboard to discuss your emotions.
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Tags: Abraham Munabi, Brim, Cards Gifts, Cold Reminder, Dr. Munabi, emotions, Facebook, female infertility, Greeting Free, Infertility, Infertility Issues, Mixed Feelings, Modicum, Mom, Mother Day, Mother S Day, Motherhood, Relatives, Reproductive Science Institute of Suburban Philadelphia, Rsi, Sensitive Subject, Springboard, Trinkets, Twitter
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Tuesday, December 28th, 2010
If you have an appointment lined up with a fertility specialist, it’s important for you to prepare in advance.
Often, by the time you get in front of the fertility specialist, your emotions begin to overwhelm your thought process. Though this is totally natural, it can also lead to forgetfulness.
To combat this possibility, always come to your fertility appointments prepared with a list of questions. To help you get started, we’ve put together the following queries:
- How long have you been a fertility specialist?
- What types of assisted reproductive techniques do you handle?
- Can you explain each type of assisted reproductive technique you offer to patients?
- What are the pros and cons of each type of assisted reproductive technique?
- What if I want to discontinue treatment at some point?
- What kind of a time commitment should I expect with each assisted reproductive technique?
- What lifestyle changes will I have to make with each assisted reproductive technique?
- Are there any fertility treatment related clinical trials that I might be a candidate to join?
- What if I have a problem and need to contact you or a member of your team?
- How many rounds of assisted reproductive techniques do most women in my situation undergo?
- What is your clinic’s success rate?
- Can I speak with some of your former/current patients?
Remember that this is your opportunity to gather all the information you want and need. Take a pen and paper with you and be assertive. You’ll be glad you did.
Tags: Appointment, Appointments, Assisted Reproductive Technique, Assisted Reproductive Techniques, Clinical Trials, Contact, emotions, fertility specialist, Fertility Treatment, Forgetfulness, Lead, Lifestyle Changes, Opportunity, Pen And Paper, Pros And Cons, Queries, Success Rate, Thought Process, Time Commitment
Posted in female infertility, Fertility Info 101 | No Comments »
Friday, July 16th, 2010
For good or bad, we live in a society that suggests we have to be “upbeat” all the time, putting on a “happy face” despite problems. When we’re asked, “How are you?”, we’re expected to say, “Fine, thank you!” No wonder so many people with infertility feel embarrassed because they go through periods of sadness and depression.
If you’re one of the many men or women dealing with infertility, it’s important to know that feeling unhappy or “down” is completely normal. It’s not a sign of weakness, nor is it something unusual. In fact, reputable reproductive science specialists will always consider your mental health throughout your fertility treatment journey.
But what can you do in the meantime if you’d rather not make a phone call every time you’re feeling blue? Why not try one of these methods of addressing your state of mind:
→ Acknowledge and accept your sadness.
→ Talk with someone who will listen without judging or trying to “solve” your emotions.
→ Do something that isn’t related to fertility issues, such as working out, going for a hike, taking a walk or reading a book.
→ Write down your feelings in a personal journal.
→ Ask yourself if you’re being too hard on yourself. (This is often the case.) Infertility isn’t something you can control.
Remember that infertility and unhappy moments can often go hand-in-hand. So allow yourself to have human moments of disappointment or even depression. And, of course, if your mental state turns into one you cannot easily control, please contact your physician to discuss other steps you can take.
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Tags: Control, Disappointment, emotions, Feelings, Fertility Issues, Fertility Treatment, Happy Face, Infertility, Journey, Many Men, Many People, Mental Health, Miracles, Periods, Personal Journal, Reading A Book, Reproductive Science, Rsi, Sadness And Depression, Science Specialists
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Tuesday, June 8th, 2010
There are plenty of advertisements on the Internet suggesting that couples go to places like Asia and Eastern Europe for lower-cost IVF treatments. Unfortunately, these adverts are just preying on the emotions of those who are having difficulty conceiving.
If you’ve been tempted to leave the country (or continent, for that matter) to get IVF treatments, just remember these thoughts:
- The Money Savings Are Not What They Seem. Sure, you may spend less on the IVF treatment, but what about paying for the flight, hotel, food, etc., in the foreign country? That can add up quickly.
- It Can Be Tough to Check Credentials of Overseas Fertility Specialists. Sure, a fertility specialist might claim to be “the best”… but it can be very difficult to substantiate those claims.
- If Something Goes Wrong, You’ll Be Far from Home. Because this is medicine, it’s important to keep in mind that unexpected outcomes can happen. Being in a foreign country and faced with sudden problems can be terrifying.
Please consider going to a fertility specialist (or many) for your IVF treatments who is from your own country before heading on a jet plane to somewhere afar. It’s the safest way to protect yourself.
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Tags: Ads, Advertisements, Adverts, Asia, Continent, Couples, Credentials, Eastern Europe, emotions, fertility specialist, Fertility Specialists, Hotel Food, IVF treatment, Jet Plane, Medicine, Miracles, Money Savings, Unexpected Outcomes
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Friday, August 28th, 2009
One day you’re up, the next day you’re down… one moment you’re laughing, the next you’re crying… in the morning, you’re optimistic… by night, you’re a full-blown pessimist.
It’s all part of the emotional rollercoaster known as infertility. But knowing that doesn’t make the experience any less palpable.
For individuals and couples, coping with the emotions associated with infertility can be a difficult process; after all, there are numerous factors at play, including those in the social, financial and relational realms. So how do so many people make it through their experiences with infertility despite the rollercoaster-like journey?
Because infertility is a very personal experience, couples and individuals rarely have the exact same issues, responses and/or outcomes; thus, coping mechanisms must be equally as unique. Below, we’ve compiled a list of 8 different ways others have chosen to cope with infertility:
- Keep a journal or online blog. It can be anonymous and will give you an outlet to express your feelings as well as join with others.
- Talk to someone you trust other than your partner. Do you have a friend, relative, spiritual advisor, colleague or neighbor who is willing to simply listen to you without trying to “fix” you? Take advantage of your good fortune to have such a person in your life by letting him or her know your feelings and help you work through them.
- Talk to your partner. Obviously, it’s critical to be open with your partner, too. If you’re feeling sad, be sad. Don’t wear masks; this isn’t a time to don a new persona.
- Seek out the help of a therapist. Because infertility is such a common experience, especially among those in their 30s and 40s, many therapists specialize in the area.
- Take care of yourself. Even if you don’t feel like getting out of bed for the third morning in a row, force yourself to move, eat and live. It will be tough, but it will also help you clear your mind, exercise your body and fuel your soul.
- Join an online infertility group. There are online resources and forums where people like you who are coping with infertility go to commiserate, support, share and chat. Find one where you feel comfortable being yourself.
- Acknowledge your emotions. For some individuals, it’s very difficult to accept that they are having powerful emotions or mood swings. However, it’s essential to “name the problem”. The emotions won’t go away just because they aren’t being acknowledged.
- Know your emotional triggers. Do you find that every time you go to a certain park where families tend to gather together that you wind up depressed for days afterwards? This may indicate that your emotions are being “triggered” by the sight of parents and kids. Although you cannot completely avoid families nor should you avoid those areas, it may be wise to tell yourself beforehand: “I’m going to place XYZ. Kids and their moms and dads will most likely be there. If I feel uncomfortable, I can always leave.” That way, you’ll be heading off emotions before they can overwhelm you.
Coping with infertility will always be accompanied by emotions; it’s just part of the human experience. But you do have the ability and strength to get through the ride.
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Tags: blog, cope with infertility, coping mechanisms, coping with emotions, Coping With Infertility, depression, emotional rollercoaster, emotional triggers, emotions, fertility group, financial, Infertility, journal, online forum, online resources, relational, social, ups and downs
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