Everyday life can be stressful, and everyday life while undergoing fertility treatments can be very stressful. Learning to manage stress is an important life skill, and it can also be the key to a positive fertility journey. Stress can negatively affect fertility and overall health in numerous ways. Effectively managing stress helps the mind and body have a more calming response to stress rather than defaulting to a "fight or flight" response.
Helpful Tips for Managing Stress While Undergoing Treatments:
- Educate Yourself - The more you know, the better prepared you will be and the better prepared you will feel.
- Prioritize Commitments - Feeling overwhelmed while undergoing treatments is common and understandable, deciding when to cut back and what to cut out is crucial to relieving stress.
- Stay Active - Regular physical activity increases endorphins and decreases stress levels. Making exercise a part of your daily routine can make a noticeable difference in overall health and well being.
- Join a Support Group - support groups are a safe place to share your feelings and hear from others about their own experience. Just knowing you are not alone can help to offset unfounded fears and concerns.
- Practice Relaxation Techniques - Meditation, deep breathing, and imagery can help you to stay grounded and focused, despite the potential ups and downs of a fertility journey.
- Take Fertility ‘Time Outs’ - Reconnecting with the activities, people, and interests that brought joy before beginning treatment can bring you renewed energy and motivation during stressful times.
- Seek Therapy when Necessary - Adding a mental health professional to your support system can be an invaluable resource throughout your treatments and beyond.
To learn more about how to manage stress while undergoing fertility treatments, reach out to Repromed Fertility Center today. Our mission is Creating Parents and Building Families, your journey is our journey!
Dr. Anil Pinto is board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and the subspecialty of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Dr. Pinto has a special interest in the treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), recurrent pregnancy loss, and advanced reproductive technologies, such as IVF.