Infertility


Infertility in Lexington, Richmond & Frankfort KY


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What is Infertility?

Infertility is defined as women and men who cannot achieve pregnancy after one year of having unprotected intercourse or as the inability of a woman to carry a pregnancy to term. Many different medical conditions and other factors can contribute to fertility problems.

Parenthood is one of the major transitions in adult life for both men and women. The stress of the non-fulfillment of a wish for a child has been associated with emotional distress such as anger, depression, anxiety, marital problems, sexual dysfunction, and social isolation. Couples experience stigma, sense of loss, and diminished self-esteem in the setting of their infertility. Both men and women experience a sense of loss of identity and have pronounced feelings of defectiveness and incompetence.

Signs & Symptoms

Stress, depression and anxiety are described as common consequences of infertility. A number of studies have found that the incidence of depression in infertile couples presenting for infertility treatment is significantly higher than in fertile controls. Anxiety has also been shown to be significantly higher in infertile couples when compared to the general population. 

Everyone has feelings and emotional ups and downs as they pursue infertility treatment. Feeling overwhelmed at times is a perfectly normal response. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms over a prolonged period of time, you may benefit a great deal from working with a mental health professional:
  • loss of interest in usual activities
  • depression that doesn't lift
  • strained interpersonal relationships 
  • difficulty thinking of anything other than your infertility
  • high levels of anxiety
  • diminished ability to accomplish tasks
  • difficulty with concentration
  • change in your sleep patterns 
  • change in your appetite or weight
  • thoughts about death or suicide
  • social isolation
  • persistent feelings of pessimism, guilt, or worthlessness
  • persistent feelings of bitterness or anger
In addition, there are certain points during infertility treatment when discussion with a mental health professional about various options can help facilitate clarification of your thinking and help with your decision making. For example, consultation with a mental health professional may be helpful to you and your partner if you are: 
  • • at a treatment crossroad
  • • deciding between alternative treatment possibilities
  • • exploring other family building options
  • • considering third party assistance (gamete donation, surrogacy)
  • • having difficulty communicating or if you have different ideas about what direction to take
Diagnosis & Treatment Options

Although there have not been systematic studies in infertile women examining the impact of psychotherapy, treatments that decrease psychiatric symptoms and stress can benefit couples experiencing infertility issues. Several studies suggest that cognitive behavioral group psychotherapy and support groups decrease stress and mood symptoms, as well as increase fertility rates

Medication also remains an important option for women and men who develop depression in the context of infertility and its treatment. Many women avoid pharmacologic treatment for fear that medication may impact their fertility or may affect the outcome of their pregnancy; however, data accumulated over the last decade suggest that certain antidepressants may be used safely during pregnancy.

Mental health professionals with experience in infertility treatment can significantly help. Their primary goal is to help individuals and couples learn how to cope with the physical and emotional changes associated with infertility, as well as with the medical treatments that can be painful and intrusive. By teaching patients problem- solving strategies in a supportive environment, mental health professionals help people work through their grief, fear, and other emotions so that they can find resolution of their infertility. A good therapist can help you sort out feelings, strengthen already present coping skills and develop new ones, and communicate with others more clearly. 

There Is Hope!

Make sure you choose a mental health professional who is familiar with the emotional experience of infertility. Contact our office for more information on how we can help you overcome the emotional stress associated with infertility, or visit these websites for more information.


What is therapy?
Therapy is more long-term than counseling and focuses on a broader range of issues. The underlying principle is that a person's patterns of thinking and unconscious awareness affect the way that person interacts with the world. The goal is to uncover those patterns and become aware of their effect and then learn new, healthier ways to think and interact.
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