When describing what the IVF process feels like emotionally, people often use the image of rollercoaster, or say it is like a game of snakes and ladders. One minute you are up, the next you are down
It’s no surprise really, that IVF can be emotionally and mentally challenging, after all, it involves a series of medical procedures, uncertainties, and significant life decisions. The emotional and mental stages of IVF can vary from person to person, but we thought we would list some common stages that many individuals and couples may experience during the IVF process, with the help of the team at Clinica Tambre, (who support men and women who are on this rollercoaster daily) so that you can feel a sense of comfort that you aren’t alone, should you experience any of them.
Hope and Optimism
The start of the first (and hopefully only) round of IVF begins with hope and optimism. Individuals or couples see IVF as a solution to their fertility challenges (and why wouldn’t they?!) and are excited about the prospect of having a child. For many, this hope comes after years of trying and failing to conceive naturally.
Anxiety and Stress
As the IVF process begins, anxiety and stress can mount. The fear of the unknown, the physical demands of the treatments, and concerns about the outcome can contribute to heightened stress levels. As you start stimulation the hormonal medications used in IVF can contribute to mood swings and emotional ups and downs. Some individuals may experience heightened emotions and increased sensitivity.
Anticipation and Eagerness
During the ovarian stimulation phase and egg retrieval, there is often a sense of anticipation, eagerness and sometimes fear to see how the body will respond to the medications and whether enough healthy eggs will be retrieved. Your fertility specialist will monitor the follicle sizes and their health, but it is common for the woman to become obsessed and overly anxious about how many follicles she has and their size. Once they have reached an appropriate size, you will undergo the egg retrieval procedure, where your doctor will retrieve your eggs for in vitro fertilisation.
Uncertainty and Waiting
IVF involves a lot of waiting. Waiting for test results, waiting for embryos to develop, and waiting to see if a pregnancy is achieved can be emotionally taxing to say the least. This uncertainty can be mentally challenging. The two week wait is known to be the toughest emotional stage of the process, as you can do nothing but sit tight and wait to see if your precious embryo has settled down and implanted. The urge to take a home pregnancy test before the 14th day is overwhelming, but you should hang tight for your blood test as it will give you an accurate result.
Joy and Fear
If you get a positive pregnancy result, it goes without saying, happiness engulfs you, but so does an element of fear – fear that you might suddenly miscarry. This is completely natural. The fear never really leaves, but it will ease as you get further into your pregnancy.
Disappointment and Grief
The devastating emotional impact of a failed IVF cycle is overwhelming, unbearable and cannot be overstated. Many couples find themselves in grief or in mourning after a failed IVF cycle. It is a sense of loss and shock that you are simply unprepared for. This pressure can have not only a significant negative effect on a couple’s relationship but on relationships with friends and family which is why finding the right person to talk to is so important.
Hope Renewal
After a failed cycle or cycles, some people find a way to renew their hope and determination by continuing with IVF or exploring other options, such as using donor eggs or embryos.
Coping Strategies
Many people develop coping strategies to manage the emotional and mental stress of IVF. These strategies may include seeking support from friends and family, joining support groups, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and seeking professional counselling or therapy.
It’s important to recognise that the emotional and mental stages of IVF can vary widely, and not everyone will experience all of these stages in the same way or order. Additionally, seeking support from healthcare providers, therapists, and support groups can be beneficial in navigating the emotional and mental challenges associated with IVF.
The Tambre Commitment
For more than forty-five years Tambre has been helping individuals and couples cope with the highs and lows that can exist during the assisted reproduction process. Our experienced team are available to offer support whenever you need it, prior to, during and post treatment. From the beginning of your journey to the moment you choose to close it, Tambre will attempt to ensure that the journey is as smooth as possible.
Each person’s IVF journey is unique, and it’s essential to prioritise self-care and emotional well-being throughout the process.
How do we not stress about stress during fertility treatment??
