IVF has been a beacon of hope in the world of those who’re facing challenges with their fertility. This process enables them to look beyond those struggles and embrace parenthood as and when they like. IVF procedure enables the potential parents to fertilize the egg outside the body before implanting it into the uterus. This reproductive technique has been a revolution enabling people to walk down the path of parenthood globally. According to the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive technologies, over 12 million babies have been born worldwide via assisted reproductive technologies with IVF being the most common method amongst all.
But while it has offered resilience, hope and new lives to countless people across the world, there’s an unaddressed and lesser talked about chapter in this journey – mental health. We often talk about the physical implications that are brought about by IVF, but mental health conversations often take a backseat. Dr. Sarita Sukhija, the founder of Myra IVF also mentions, “When people visit us, they seem to talk about all aspects about IVF – from method, procedure, physical impact, success rates, finances, the health of to-be born child and many other factors, but the thought of it being an emotional journey for those who’re undergoing the process doesn’t come at the forefront, as much as it should.”
The unpredictability of the outcome and the cycle of hope and fear of potential failure in every IVF cycle can be emotionally draining. Even hormonal treatments may add to it by causing mood swings, irritability and anxiety. Since it’s a gradual and long process, over a period of time, the impact might become even more powerful. A research done in Patras University School of Medicine in Greece mentions that women with infertility experience a sense of loss of control. This feeling often led to stress and anxiety, making the procedure an emotional rollercoaster for them.
However there are several ways to navigate the journey in a mentally healthy way as well. The first and foremost step being – practising self care. Medical appointments happen over a period of time. It might get hectic, or sometimes feel like they’re taking up so much of your mind space. Amidst these schedules, time for self care must not be compromised. Any activity that brings you joy should be practiced. Whether it’s yoga and exercise or other hobbies, they tend to take your mind off the stress and keep you at peace on your journey to parenthood.
Another way of navigating is to seek professional counselling. Myra IVF’s visionary, Dr. Sarita Sukhija, says, “It can be a little too much to handle your complex emotions about the process on your own. Because it’s a path that’s full of hope but comes with so much unpredictability, it takes a toll on your mind. So when you can’t decode your chaos, seek an expert who can help you through this process. Professional counsellors not only offer a safe space for you to channelise your feelings but can guide you to practise techniques to handle stress and anxiety.”
Along the process, you should also seek out a support system. A group of friends or colleagues who might be undergoing the same process can help you build a network where you can share experiences, insights and be each others’ pillars through the journey. Connect with the people who’ve had this procedure done in the past as well. Sharing the emotional burden with those who’ve been through the same struggles as yours can be extremely therapeutic and help you perceive your journey in a new light.
“IVF isn’t just a biological but an emotional process as well. While your mind spirals into lows, let your mind also see the highs and the wins of the process. Don’t forget to hold onto silver linings,” says Dr. Sarita Sukhija who advises the same to her patients at Myra IVF. To be taken aback with challenges might be a natural response, but amidst every low, celebrate small victories as well. Whether it’s a successful implantation of the embryo or a positive response to medication, take your time to celebrate it as it can make you mentally resilient and positive through the process.
Another reason why IVF might become an emotionally taxing process is because of lack of transparent communication with healthcare professionals. People undergoing the process should be open and comfortable to discuss every aspect of the process with the doctor. Over-analyzing and overthinking about the process might not do any good. On the contrary, speak out your concerns, no matter how big or small and discuss them. Dr. Sarita Makhija says, “For patients, it might be their first. But for us, we have seen so many procedures. So when patients communicate their concerns to us, we can easily resolve them because we’ve seen it all.
Every process comes with its own challenges, and so does IVF. And the only way out of them is through them. With a strong internal mindset and external support system, you can tackle all that the process brings on your journey to parenthood.
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