Setting Up Your Support System

In 2015, seven million women and men in the U.S. experienced infertility. The Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology reports nearly 200,000 in vitro fertilization procedures were performed in 2013, an increase of six percent compared to IVF procedures done in 2012. Facing challenges associated with fertility issues is stressful both psychologically and physically. Surveys given to men and women diagnosed with conditions that interfere with conceiving think infertility is even more stressful than being unemployed or going through a divorce. Some go further by saying infertility may be just as painful as grieving over the loss of a loved one.

Couples typically resolve infertility problems by finally conceiving a baby, choosing to be childless or adopting or fostering a child. Surrogacy is another alternative method for someone to have a family. Because reaching one of these decisions could take years, support systems for men and women with fertility issues are vital to helping them stay positive and focused during their long, arduous journey.

Support System

A support system is a group of friends, family, health care professionals or support group members who you know you can depend on for emotional encouragement when you feel depressed or anxious. Setting up a good, reliable support system means discussing your problem with people who you think would be there for you throughout your infertility journey and asking them to be part of your support system.

As you undergo fertility evaluations, fertility treatments, diagnostic testing and the “waiting” involved with becoming pregnant, make sure you have people you can turn to for emotional encouragement, advice and unconditional love. In fact, maintaining a positive attitude while having IVF, IUI or other assisted reproductive technology performed will also help improve your ability to become pregnant.

Longitudinal research studies into the effects of stress and depression on infertility have shown that feeling stressed and anxious raises cortisol levels in the bloodstream and could have a significant impact on the way your body performs naturally. Some evidence indicates that reducing stress enhance proteins found in the lining of the uterus that support implantation of an embryo while increasing blood circulation around and within the uterus.

Support Groups

By joining support groups for infertile couples or single individuals, you will find others who are experiencing the same problems, the same symptoms and the same difficulties that make living with infertility both physically and mentally demanding. Support groups can take the loneliness out of living with infertility as well as provide educational assistance regarding new treatment plans and medications recently made available to increase your chance of conceiving. Infertility support groups also offers the opportunity for people to share personal experiences and feelings, coping strategies, or firsthand information about fertility treatments.

For many people, infertility support groups fill a gap between medical treatments and the need for emotional support. A person’s relationship with their doctor may not provide adequate emotional support while their family and friends may not understand the impact of infertility has on a person’s overall well-being. A support group among people with shared infertility experiences may function as a helpful bridge between medical and emotional needs.

Support systems involving friends, family members and other people with infertility problems ease feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anxiety. They also make it easier for you to talk openly and honestly about your feelings and may give a stronger sense of empowerment, control, and hope. When you decide to join a support group for people having infertility issues, you will probably be a little apprehensive about sharing your thoughts and feelings. It may help to just listen in on the first meeting you have with a particular support group before talking about your situation.

Contact Viera Fertility Center Today

Viera Fertility Center offers a wide variety of assisted reproductive technologies to help couples and single individuals get pregnant. We are also proud to be part of your support system as you begin your exploration of fertility treatments. Call today to schedule an appointment with a fertility doctor who can diagnose what is causing your infertility and recommend the right kind of fertility treatment for you.