&ldquo;I had high anxiety during my pregnancy as, not only was my child IVF conceived, she was also a donor egg.&nbsp; I had concerns about miscarrying due to my age and had experienced light bleeding up until the 13th week of my pregnancy.&nbsp; I was so afraid something would be wrong with my baby.&nbsp; At times, I was so tired too and was afraid I might not make it through the birth.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Apart from the emotions that go with a miscarriage, with IVF there is also a sense that you are right back at the drawing board &ndash; which adds a whole lot more to deal with emotionally.&rdquo;
&ldquo;The exclusion from parent&rsquo;s club&hellip; avoidance of baby showers&hellip; crying in my car on the drive home after yet another pregnancy announcement at work&hellip; switching over nappy ads on TV.&rdquo;

Testimonials from IVF patients:

Although it is the women who undergo the physically painful process, a father feels the pain too. Given the range of challenges, it is not surprising that men and women in this position are more likely to experience depression and/or anxiety and undergo psychological pain.
Rates of stress, anxiety and depression among IVF patients are higher than in the general population. If the level of infertility-related stress is higher, IVF success rate is lower. The findings of our study indicate the need for specific psychological interventions for all infertility women, to improve IVF success rate.

Pic: Deon Black/Unsplash

The study provides greater evidence that mild to moderate psychological symptoms associated with infertility may persist even after a woman conceives. In light of data suggesting that psychological symptoms may interfere with fertility, success of infertility treatment, and the ability to tolerate ongoing treatment, interest in addressing these issues during infertility treatment has grown.

Whilst we don&rsquo;t know exactly whether stress, anxiety or distress is the cause or the effect when experiencing problems with fertility, there is evidence indicating that psychological treatments, such as cognitive behaviour therapy and support can not only improve these conditions but also improve the likelihood of becoming pregnant one year on.
Seeking support from others, particularly others in a similar position, can remind you that you are not alone, as this can be difficult to discuss with your friends or family who have not had the same experiences as you.

Getting Help

For some, it may be important to consider medication for the treatment of depression and anxiety at this time.&nbsp; There is currently no research evidence to suggest this will negatively affect a woman&rsquo;s fertility.&nbsp; Further, if you do become pregnant, it is good to know that there are antidepressant medications that may be safely used in pregnancy.

Pic: Dragos Gontariu/Unsplash

Research shows that the process of assisted reproduction itself is associated with increased anxiety, depression and stress and can impact self-esteem and confidence of a couple. This may particularly be the experience after a failed IVF cycle – making the IVF journey a difficult time.

Couple's Mental Health During IVF: How To Handle Stress

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