How are fertility and mental health connected?

When you are trying to get pregnant and can’t conceive, the stress of infertility can affect your emotional wellbeing. Every month without a positive pregnancy test compounds the disappointment, sadness and distress you experience because of infertility. In our Northern Louisiana fertility clinic, David T. Vandermolen MD, MS, and our team understand the close relationship between fertility and mental health, which is why we focus our patient care efforts on clinical excellence and unwavering support.

Understanding the lengthy fertility process

The fertility treatment process creates a roller coaster for your physical and mental wellbeing. As a young woman who dreamt about creating a family and picked out potential baby names, you likely never envisioned a journey that included extensive testing, monthly cycle management, a large initial financial investment, complex medication protocols, numerous medical appointments and an uncertain outcome. We want our patients to realize that it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by the demands you face on this path to parenthood.

Infertility takes an emotional toll

Our Northern Louisiana fertility clinic expert sees firsthand the link between fertility and mental health. Dr. Vandermolen has witnessed our patients receive difficult news, grieve over their bodies’ failure to achieve successful pregnancies, and discover the resiliency to try again month after month. The ArkLaTex Fertility team is committed to offering compassion and encouragement to couples and individuals who must make challenging medical and financial decisions in the face of uncertainty.

How do you manage the stress of infertility?

Though you can’t control all the complexities of fertility treatment, you can manage your emotional responses. Acknowledging the link between fertility and mental health can enable our patients to regain steady footing during this challenging time. Use these tips to lighten the emotional load.

• Find an online or in-person support group where you can share with people in similar situations.
• Establish relaxation practices, such as meditation, gentle movement, guided imagery or deep breathing exercises.
• Rediscover or create a new hobby, like crocheting, mahjong, gardening or cooking, to afford yourself a welcome distraction during this process.
• Make a conscious effort to check in with your partner and maintain clear lines of communication so that your relationship doesn’t suffer.
• Know your limits for intimate conversations about your infertility, social events involving children, and any situations that will create further drains on your emotions.

Dealing with infertility can leave you physically and emotionally exhausted. At ArkLaTex Fertility, we understand the link between fertility and mental health, and we stand with our patients as they navigate their unique family-building journeys. Call our office for more information or to schedule an appointment with our Northern Louisiana fertility clinic expert.