Posts Tagged ‘Stress’

When Dealing with Fertility Problems, Keeping Up Humor is Key

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

There’s nothing innately funny about fertility problems, but that doesn’t mean that keeping a sense of humor isn’t critical to getting through them.  In fact, it’s mentally and physically very healthy to be able to laugh on a regular basis.

Interestingly, the basic physiological changes that occur when a person laughs may have a significant impact on his or her being able to increase the chances that a fertility procedure works. 

For instance, because humor reduces stress, a woman may be more relaxed when undergoing IVF.  Her body may hold itself less rigidly, meaning that the fertility procedure takes place more efficiently with less pain.  And who knows?  A relaxed body could be more conducive to a better result.

The same holds true for men.  If a male has been told that he *must* perform sexually on certain days of the week or month to maximize the chances of fertility occurring, that’s a huge stressor.  Being able to find the humor in the situation keeps the mood in the bedroom from turning sour.  It also keeps him from being unable to get “in the mood” or even ejaculate.

With this being said, fertility problems absolutely aren’t a walk in the park.  They aren’t fun.  They aren’t light-hearted in and of themselves.  But being able to put them into perspective may just be what the doctor ordered.

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  • Tips to De-Stress for IVF Success

    Sunday, January 31st, 2010

    Research has proven that stress plays a critical role in the success of any fertility treatment, especially IVF.  But how can you relax when all you can think about is whether or not you’ll be able to conceive?

    If you’re having difficulty calming your mind and your body, try these tips to de-stress before and during your IVF treatments:

    1. Lay off (or significantly reduce) your intake of caffeine.  It might “wake you up”, but it can also make you agitated.
    2. Get a good night’s sleep.  Rest is one of the most beneficial “gifts” you can give yourself.
    3. Take up a relaxing hobby.  Some individuals like to scrapbook, others like to knit.  Some cook, some read, some write… the list goes on and on.  Do whatever calms you and allows you to focus your energies in a positive direction.
    4. Learn to meditate.  You don’t have to be spiritually-inclined to embrace the powers of meditation. 
    5. Try yoga pre-IVF.  Yoga, when performed correctly, can prep your body, heart and soul.
    6. Eat healthfully.  If you’re investing in IVF, yo u must invest in your nutrition, too. 
    7. Stay away from toxic people.  Though this can be easier said than done, whenever you have the choice, choose to avoid persons who want to bring you down.

    What methods have you used to de-stress during your fertility treatments?  We’d like to know!

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  • The Truth Behind Infertility “Cures”

    Friday, July 31st, 2009

    There is no shortage of blogs and websites purporting to have the “cure” for infertility.  Unfortunately, many couples and individuals dealing with this personal, stressful issue can easily become pulled into the notion that all infertility can be somehow ”solved” through potions, lotions and pills.

    Though there is nothing innately wrong with many of the natural ways to combat infertility, such as maintaining a healthy diet or engaging in yoga to keep anxiety levels to a minimum, some of the supposed miracle “cures” do nothing but waste time and money.

    If you’re dealing with infertility, the best way to go is that of education. 

    Contact a trained fertility specialist like those at RSI and find out what he or she has to say.  (Afterwards, feel free to contact another for a second opinion, as is your right.)  From there, you may want to consider implementing holistic ways to help with your infertility (or the by-products of infertility, such as depression.)  But please don’t assume that there’s any one “answer”; often, there are many alternatives and options… and therefore no magic infertility cure-all pill. 

    Coping with the Stress of Infertility for Couples

    Friday, July 24th, 2009

    Couples dealing with infertility issues often underestimate the effects of stress on their relationships.  Even partners with a strong, “we’re in it together” attitude can experience periods of anxiety as a result of their inability to conceive.

    If you’re in a relationship and you’ve been unable to get pregnant, it’s critical not to allow infertility to ruin your bond. 

    (As an interesting side note, some studies have suggested that the stress of infertility can be an enormous contributing factor to the infertility itself, a kind of “Catch-22″ scenario.)

    Below are three ways for you and your significant other to get through your infertility issues:

    1.  Don’t make infertility the “elephant under the rug” no one talks about.  Some couples tiptoe around the issue of infertility, all the while boiling below the surface.  Instead, acknowledge the problem and move forward as a team.

    2.  Don’t accuse one another.  Infertility isn’t anyone’s fault; consequently, if your partner is infertile, it is unacceptable to treat him or her badly.  Period.

    3.  Don’t define yourselves by your infertility The fact that you are having difficulty conceiving does not mean you are any less of a couple or any less of individuals.  Infertility is only one aspect of your relationship, not your entire relationship.

    Frequency of Sex May Be Linked to Fertility in Males

    Friday, July 3rd, 2009

    tn_loveroseIn a recent Times of London article, Australian researchers announced that the key to boosting men’s sperm counts might lie in the number of times they have sex each week or month.

    According to a study, males who had sex every other day had a more substantial sperm count than those who did not.  This seems to contradict the age-old notion that for men to boost their sperm count and quality, several days’ abstinence is needed.

    Obviously, each couple’s fertility issues are unique; however, as the researchers of the study noted, having sex every other day probably isn’t going to harm sperm counts.  Additionally, it could be a good way to release any built-up stress between partners struggling with infertility.

    Surrogacy Isn’t Only for the Stars

    Friday, June 26th, 2009

    The news was announced earlier this week — Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick’s surrogate gave birth to the couple’s twins.  It brought surrogacy in the news, but what many people don’t realize is that having a surrogate give birth to their children isn’t just for Hollywood’s elite.

    In fact, surrogacy can be an effective solution for couples struggling with infertility problems.  In some cases, it greatly minimizes the stress of continuing with fertility treatments that might not be working.  Consequently, surrogacy shouldn’t be ignored; it’s been and continues to be a viable way to have a baby for numerous men and women.

    Our congratulations to SJP and MB!



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