Last year, I joined the millions of people seeking help from fertility technology, hoping to become a parent. I learned about the science of conception, the treatment options, and how lifestyle factors might affect my chances. I spent thousands of dollars and underwent multiple tests, surgeries, and hormone treatments, all because I believed the goal of becoming pregnant was within reach.
However, despite knowing that IVF would be physically and mentally challenging, nothing prepared me for the toll it took on my mental health. I had no idea how isolating the experience would be, especially when friends and family couldn’t fully understand my struggle. After two cycles of IVF, I found myself losing hope and feeling a deep sense of sadness whenever I heard about other people’s pregnancies.
In February, the White House took a step toward easing the financial burden of IVF by issuing an executive order to reduce costs and improve access to fertility treatments. While this is a positive change, it doesn’t address the mental health challenges that accompany infertility.
One day, while riding my bike to the clinic, I found myself thinking, “Wouldn’t it be nice if there was someone at the clinic to talk to about how this whole process is affecting me emotionally?” But, with no time or energy for counseling, I turned to online forums like Reddit, where I read stories of others going through similar struggles. Many people were making huge life sacrifices for IVF, such as quitting jobs or putting off important milestones, all in the hope of achieving a successful pregnancy.
Research shows that infertility treatments have a significant mental health impact. A 2016 study by the University of California found that nearly 57% of women and about a third of men experienced symptoms of clinical depression during the study. Additionally, over 80% of women and more than 60% of men showed signs of anxiety.
Despite these findings, very few patients receive mental health support during fertility treatments. Only 21% of women and 11% of men in the study reported receiving mental health services during the 18-month period. The emotional burden of infertility can lead to other psychiatric disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and substance abuse. Some studies even suggest that the psychological stress of infertility is comparable to the distress caused by cancer or HIV.
There’s some debate over whether stress directly affects the success of IVF, but evidence suggests that reducing stress through psychological interventions can improve outcomes. For example, lowering cortisol levels before starting IVF may enhance treatment results, and psychological support has been linked to higher pregnancy rates.
Ideally, fertility clinics would have mental health professionals on-site, offering therapy sessions alongside medical treatments. Unfortunately, the lack of regulation in fertility practices means this type of support is often unavailable. Some clinics, like Weill Cornell Medicine’s Center for Reproductive Medicine, offer psychological services, but this is not the norm.
Elizabeth Grill, director of psychological services at Weill Cornell, explained that the biggest reason people drop out of treatment is the mental strain it causes. Despite the high levels of distress IVF patients face, many clinics still lack proper mental health services. Grill suggests that offering lists of local therapists specializing in infertility could be a simple but helpful step for fertility clinics to take.
Support groups are another valuable resource that some clinics provide. These groups allow patients to connect with others who understand their experience, reducing the feeling of isolation. For example, many IVF patients find comfort in speaking with friends who have also gone through fertility treatments.
As of now, neither of my IVF cycles has resulted in a successful pregnancy, and I’m unsure if any treatment will ever work for me. The reasons for infertility are still not fully understood, but offering better mental health support for those undergoing IVF is something that should be prioritized. Coping with the emotional challenges of fertility treatments is just as important as addressing the physical ones.
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