Infertility can have a significant impact on the wellbeing of a person or a couple trying to have a baby. It is not uncommon for a person diagnosed with infertility to feel traumatized and alone. National Infertility Awareness Week, celebrated in the last week of April, is intended to send an important message to the millions of people across America suffering from the far-reaching effects infertility – “You are Not Alone.”
Research studies have shown that the levels of stress encountered by women who are infertile is comparable to that experienced by people suffering from cancer, HIV, or chronic pain.
You may feel pressured by society to have children and feel judged by friends, family, or even strangers if you are unable to have them. Inability to fulfill the expectations that have been thrust on you by others or perhaps even by yourself may result in negative feelings such as:
- Failure
- Inadequacy
- Guilt
- Shame
- Jealousy
- Anger
- Abandonment
- Low self-esteem
It is important to identify your feelings, consider where they are coming from and whom they are directed at. For example, if you are dealing with the feeling of shame, ask yourself where this shame is coming from, (is it from society or from yourself?) and why should you be ashamed. By understanding these emotions, you put yourself in a position to share your feelings with others who might be able to help, either by providing emotional support or by providing a definitive solution to your specific problem.
Don’t hesitate to seek help from a fertility specialist, either individually or as couple, depending on your situation. Most fertility specialists are qualified to deal with emotional and psychological aspects of infertility and can also provide guidance in case you choose to seek infertility treatment.
ReproMed Fertility Center offers comprehensive & individualized reproductive care by highly qualified, well trained, compassionate professionals. Contact us at (214) 827-8777 for an appointments or further information.