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Experiencing infertility is considered to be a major life crisis, and many times it is the first one that married couples face together. Research has demonstrated that women with infertility have the same levels of anxiety and depression as do women with cancer, heart disease, and HIV+ status.
In addition, there is a considerable body of evidence that men and women are affected differently by infertility. How these differences impact a marriage is unclear, however it is known that couples who fail to recognize and adjust to these differences report increased marital strain and dissatisfaction. This will likely increase the stress of infertility for one or both people in the marriage, and in turn negatively contribute to the process of conception.
There are a variety of painful emotions and experiences that infertility present to individuals and couples, and it is expected and common to feel overwhelmed. However persistent symptoms may be best addressed by working with a mental health professional. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine uses the following symptom checklist as a guide to determining if you may benefit from counseling.
Infertility Counseling and Support: When and Where to Find It
www.asrm.org/Patients/FactSheets/Counseling-Fact.pdf
The Reproductive Resource Center has an experienced mental health professional that can help individuals and couples with the stress and emotional ups and downs that infertility brings. Kerry Christifano offers individual, couples, or group counseling and suggests a consultation to best determine which would best meet your needs.
Participating in counseling for infertility related issues, whether it is individual, couples or group offers many benefits. These benefits will vary form individual to couple, however most can expect the following:
- An increased sense of control and well being.
- Learn skills to change the physical and emotional responses to stress.
- How to use cognitive-behavioral strategies to cope with negative emotions such as sadness, anger, frustration, anxiety, stress, and loneliness.
- How to better understand your partner, and how to help your partner better understand you.
- Gain a better understanding of treatment options.
You can contact Kerry Christifano directly at 913-515-7338 to set up a consultation.
Stress and Infertility:
www.asrm.org/Patients/FactSheets/Stress-Fact.pdf
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