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According to a recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO), about 17.5% of adults worldwide, or roughly 1 in 6 people, experience infertility. As a direct consequence, couples seeking out the help of IVF to conceive have also increased. Unlike in the past, the lack of awareness surrounding IVF treatment has decreased significantly, and couples are now willing to share their IVF journey.

IVF and how it can change a person’s life

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) includes IVF or in vitro fertilization. It is a therapy for infertility, a disorder in which most couples are unable to conceive despite at least a year of trying. It entails removing eggs from a woman's ovaries and using sperm to fertilize them. Doctors refer to this fertilized egg as an embryo. After that, the embryo can either be implanted into a woman's uterus or preserved for later use.

What’s the need of IVF?

Although the procedure is expensive and invasive, many couples opt for IVF procedures due to the following:

Reduced fertility in women over the age of 40

Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes

Reduced ovarian functions

Endometriosis

Uterine fibroids

Male infertility, such as low sperm count or abnormalities in sperm shape

Unexplained infertility

The experience couples have with IVF is often emotionally overwhelming. People experience a wide range of emotions when it comes to fertility treatments. Some people go through periods of loss and sadness, hopelessness and despair, marginalization and jealousy, physical and mental exhaustion, and so on. But it is important to know that there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Thus, it's critical to promote candid discussions on the IVF process. The main topic of this blog is how to achieve it.

Why open conversations is essential?

In an ideal world, everyone experiencing infertility would have the warm support of their social network around them. In actuality, many patients find themselves alone as a result of their infertility. Though things are improving, there is still some stigma and shame associated with the subject.

Seeking help from dependable family members or friends during overwhelming times is crucial. Speaking with someone about your struggles might make them seem more familiar and make you feel less alone.

People in your life may respond differently to your message, and it's impossible to predict their exact reactions. However, you know your relationships best, and you can tailor your approach and share more details with each person. Placing people on a "need to know" basis can guide what and when to share, as different reactions may be unexpected. Remember, you know your relationships best and can adapt your approach accordingly.

If you're having trouble managing the psychological effects of infertility, consulting a specialist might be helpful. It might be beneficial to see a psychologist, counselor, or therapist to learn how to control your emotions and feel supported. It's critical to keep in mind that infertility is not an "issue for women." Fertility problems affect both men and women equally, with male factors accounting for around one-third of infertile cases. Consequently, it's critical to foster societal acceptance and awareness that infertility can impact both couples.

Benefits of open conversations

Even when we live in a world where people share almost everything through social media, there are several aspects they still consider taboo. One such topic was infertility.

Ending the stigma surrounding infertility is crucial for providing support and understanding to those struggling with the condition.

By understanding the psychological ramifications of infertility, more people can be empowered to help those going through it.

Seeking professional help, such as a trained psychologist, counselor, or therapist, can help manage emotions, develop skills, and provide safety and validation.

Therapy can also provide a place to turn when feeling lonely and reduce the sense of shame and embarrassment related to infertility.

How do we address challenges during IVF treatment?

Become knowledgeable about your body, the procedure, and the treatment plan before deciding about in vitro fertilization. This understanding helps lessen tension and anxiety. Use your treatment center's resources, engage in conversation, and seek assistance.

Build a solid relationship with your spouse and prioritize emotional well-being if you want your IVF cycle to be successful. Establish a time to talk about IVF and share your goals and expectations. Early intervention can prevent problems from forming, and counseling can be helpful during trying times. Always keep in mind that prevention is always preferable to treatment.

Identify who will provide support for you during your infertility procedure and designate a friend or family member as a "spokesperson" to inform others. Look outside your usual support network to those who understand other infertility patients, such as joining an IVF support group or checking out self-help organizations. The internet offers numerous resources and information for infertility support.

Identifying stress sources and developing coping mechanisms is crucial for managing IVF. Understanding your partner's styles and understanding each other's reactions can help develop effective coping strategies. Exercise can alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression but may need to be adjusted during treatment. Humor is a great coping mechanism; stress management classes, relaxation tapes, and mind/body techniques can also be beneficial. These strategies apply to single individuals undergoing IVF as well.

During the treatment cycle, simplify life and avoid significant decisions or changes. Address daily challenges at work, home, and with family and friends. You have control over daily life choices, but treatment progress is usually beyond your control.

Role of online communities in IVF treatment

For those who are infertile, social media can offer psychological and social support. Finding others experiencing comparable things might aid in the person realizing that they are not alone and that their emotions are understandable.

Couples undergoing infertility treatment participate in online social support groups (OSG) to improve their mental health and receive and give emotional and informational support. Informational support is the act of providing information to someone who is looking for it. In contrast, emotional support assesses and recognizes a person's emotions or offers consolation and inspiration.

The buffering effect theory

According to research on symptomatology, including individuals undergoing infertility treatment, the buffering effect theory suggests that social support can moderate or lessen the effects of stress on responses.

Educating others

Particularly for those who are not involved in the process, infertility may be a complicated and perplexing topic. Teaching people about a subject may be daunting, particularly when prejudice is involved. Sharing broad facts regarding infertility, such as its prevalence and the fact that one in eight couples deal with it, is crucial, as is taking into account your mental well-being. If their concerns are based more on ignorance than on opinion, telling them that infertility is a common problem and that services are accessible could be beneficial. Limiting what you share with them could be better, but it is not your duty to persuade them otherwise. You may improve people's understanding and ability to support you by being forthright and honest about your experiences.

Why MMC IVF?

Constructed upon the foundations of proficiency, history, superior medical facilities, and cutting-edge technology, the clinic assures infertile couples of a positive and productive encounter. A group of specialists in reproductive medicine and infertility who are well-known for their work in the ART field are in charge.

MMC IVF's Expert Team, consisting of ART Clinicians and Embryologists with over 75 years of combined infertility expertise, has over 30,000+ babies in 30 countries and six continents. They offer cutting-edge fertility solutions, including Time Lapse Imaging of embryos, PGT-A & PGT-M, and tailor-made solutions based on a thorough understanding of infertility issues. They have systems and processes in place to ensure patients' highest standard of care.