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Posts Tagged ‘Many People’

Dealing with Your Emotions throughout Fertility Treatments

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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What to Consider… When Looking for Financial Assistance to Help with Fertility Treatments

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

One of the biggest issues many individuals and couples face when considering fertility treatments is what financial ramifications they will have on the family’s finances.

It’s definitely a consideration that needs to be mulled over; after all, though many fertility treatments are easily afforded by most persons, some can be a little costlier than others.

To help you proceed with the knowledge you need, we’ve put together some ideas for you:

1. Understand your financial options for fertility treatments.

Many people don’t realize there are financial options out there, such as IVF refunds, IVF financing or low-cost IVF offerings.

2. Ask your fertility specialist for his/her recommendations.

Reputable fertility specialists, like Philadelphia area’s RSI, will be able to direct you to a wealth of information and professionals that can talk to you about your financial options.

3. Check online for financial assistance.

Many sites are dedicated to providing information to individuals and families looking to pay for fertility treatments. One caveat, though – never give out your personal information over the Internet. If you want to reach an organization, pick up the phone and call them.

4. Ask your financial planner for ideas.

If you have money invested with a financial planner, ask him or her what he or she recommends. You may be surprised to hear of financial possibilities about which you were previously unaware.

5. Ask friends and family for help.

Though this isn’t an option for all individuals or couples, it may be wise in your case to ask family members or very close friends for their assistance. Some may be willing to give you low-interest loans. Just make sure that all money received (that is to be repaid) is documented.

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Sweden Launches Chlamydia Monday in Effort to Raise Awareness

Tuesday, September 14th, 2010

As we’ve written about before at our blog, chlamydia can be one of the contributors to infertility or fertility issues.  A very common STD with nasty long-term side effects, chlamydia is difficult to pinpoint unless men or women get tested.

This is why the Swedish have announced “Chlamydia Mondays”, a new PR program that’s a bit “out there” (it features outlandish cartoons to get the point across) but which the government hopes will resonate with the 4-per-hour-adults who are contracting chlamydia in the country.

So how do you know if you have chlamydia?  Many people have no clue they’re carrying the disease, as it masks itself well.  So if you’ve been having trouble getting pregnant and your physician has ruled out other possibilities but hasn’t tested you or your partner for chlamydia, it’s worth a look.

If nothing else, you’ll know if you are putting your partner at risk and you’ll also be able to get healthier.

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  • Sadness and Infertility Can Go Hand-in-Hand… and That’s Okay

    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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