Infertility affects around 10-15 percent of couples of reproductive age globally. The development of more successful and advanced techniques for infertility treatment and postponement of childbearing in women has increased the number of couples seeking IVF in recent years. 

What is IVF and How It Is Done?

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is the process of an assisted reproductive technology (ART) used to treat infertility. IVF involves fertility treatments that work by extracting eggs from a woman’s body, retrieving a sperm sample, and then manually joining eggs with sperm to create embryos in the laboratory. The embryos are then transferred to the woman’s uterus.

In Vitro Fertilization is used to treat infertility in women with ovulation disorders, blocked, damaged, or removed fallopian tubes and uterine fibroids. This assisted reproductive technology method is also used to treat infertility caused by genetic disorders, decreased sperm count or mobility in men, and unexplained infertility. 

Five necessary steps in the IVF process involve:

• Fertility medications

• Removing eggs from the women’s body

• Taking a sample of sperm

• Mixing eggs and the sperm (insemination)

• Transferring eggs back into the woman’s body

How to Cope with Stress Associated with Undergoing IVF

Going through fertility treatment can be very challenging for both partners. You and your wife or girlfriend may experience disappointment, sadness, anger, shame, or guilt. Your partner may feel moody, irritable, worried, and uncomfortable due to the side effects of fertility drugs and procedures.

Additionally, the efforts to fit IVF treatments into your work schedule and other demands of your lives and the cost of IVF may add extra layers of stress and concern.

Stress associated with undergoing In Vitro Fertilization can take a toll on your mental health and create tension in your relationship. However, there are some things you can do to support your wife. In Vitro Fertilization and bring you closer. 

Do Your Homework

Make an effort to do your research and learn about fertility treatments. Discuss your findings with your partner and consider the future options if your first IVF fails. Research ways to pay for the fertility drugs and treatments if your health insurance doesn’t cover the treatment.

Read about the risks, possible side effects, and the chances of IVF success. Go to the doctor’s appointment together and ask about any specific concerns you might have.  

Support Her Emotionally 

One of the best things you can do during IVF treatment is to provide endless empathy. Listen to your partner and encourage her to share her feelings or be there for her if she needs to vent. Remember that your wife doesn’t expect you to fix things or suggest solutions. She just needs you to be there for her and express sympathy.

The indignities of IVF treatment may affect your partner’s self-esteem, so avoid being critical or judgmental. Express your admiration for her strength and encourage your wife’s self-appreciation. Ask how you can support her. Ask if she is concerned or how the treatment is making her feel. 

Share Your Feelings 

In Vitro Fertilization treatment can be stressful for both partners. You may become overwhelmed while trying to be strong for your spouse. Don’t suppress your anxiety, worry, and sadness. If you bottle up your feelings, you may come across as indifferent or unsympathetic, which can hurt your wife’s feelings, destabilize your relationship, and add more hurdles to your path to pregnancy.

Sharing your feelings can help your partner to know that she is not alone. Letting her know that she is not the only one worried allows you to support your wife better. 

Help Your Wife with the Chores

Stress and the effects of fertility treatment may cause your partner to feel fatigued or more tired than usual. She may feel depressed and lacking energy to do the things she usually does around the house.

Show your support by easing her responsibilities. Take care of your pet, give her a hand with cleaning and laundry, and help her in the kitchen.

Seek Couples Counseling

If you feel that IVF treatment is rising tension in your relationship, consider professional counseling. While most couples decide to go to couples counseling or a couples intensive, you can opt for individual counseling or relationship counseling for one, whatever works for your needs. 

Infertility can be an intense and alienating experience if you don’t recognize and address your concerns on time. Seek professional help to ensure that expanding your family strengthens your bond, instead of destroying your relationship. 

Nevertheless, the best way to support your girlfriend or wife is by being present both physically and emotionally. Let her cry on your shoulder, hug her, share your feelings, and listen. If you feel that you cannot cope with stress attached to IVF treatment, consider joining a support group, or seeking professional counseling.

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