When two want to be three: psychology during fertility treatment for couples
One of the most important decisions a couple can make is to integrate a new member into the family. This isn't an easy journey, having a baby is a challenge for any couple. However, when conception becomes difficult, complications increase. Starting fertility treatment is physically and emotionally draining. At a time full of emotions, expectations and learning, it is important that future parents have support. This is where psychology during fertility treatment can make the journey easier.
Why take couples therapy?
Although there is no psychology for getting pregnant as such, psychological therapy as a couple can help improve communication at home. During the journey to fertility, it is common for misunderstandings among members of the union. Lapses in empathy, power struggles, and clashes of visions are common among marriages. However, these differences do not imply that love is lacking, but rather they are the result of being found on different pages of history. And, despite the fact that psychological infertility has never been proven, an environment of stress and pressure can make conception difficult.
Common problems among couples undergoing fertility treatment
When undergoing fertility treatment, it is common for couples to have marital and sexual problems as a result of the defense mechanisms that arise in the face of the crisis. In addition, the way to deal with infertility is different for men and women. On the one hand, it is more common for women to experience depression and anxiety stemming from feelings of guilt and — although they are more likely to seek medical help — their response to negative outcomes is usually not optimal. On the other hand, men may experience high levels of stress resulting from male infertility and are more likely to seek the completion of treatment. It is common for both people to try to hide their true emotions and, as a result, end up losing privacy when it is most needed. Attending as a couple with a mental and marital health specialist doesn't mean that there won't be more problems along the way, but that when they do, you have the tools to manage them.
How to find psychological support during fertility treatment
First of all, the most important thing is that you find the therapist that best suits your needs. It's critical that both people feel comfortable; therapy should be a safe space that encourages growth. When choosing a specialist, make sure that they are compatible with you. For example, if you're in an LGBT+ relationship, find a therapist with previous experience. Or, if the gender perspective is important to you, find out if your psychologist incorporates this approach into their therapy. Sometimes ideological, political or religious differences can make it difficult for sessions to take place. Finally, ask if your specialist has experience in couples therapy and therapy with people in fertility processes.
What to expect from therapy?
Once you've chosen a therapist, they'll have a preliminary session to determine the most appropriate treatment. Some treatments may be aimed at addressing specific crises, others may be aimed at decision-making, and many others involve long-term therapy. Different forms of therapy suit different people, Here you can learn more about them. If you're wondering how to overcome infertility depression, therapy can contain and provide tools for dealing with critical moments. As is the waiting time between fertilization and the pregnancy test, the capture of the semen sample or even deciding what type of treatment is right (or if treatment is right for the couple's common future). It's not just about learning how to relax to get pregnant, but creating a system of functional support and understanding.
At Integral Fertility, we are well aware of the difficulties a couple may face in search of a new baby. That's why our clinic offers specialized psychological support in fertility processes. This way, we save you the trouble of looking for a specialist and you can find all the support you need during this process in one place.
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