Statistics show that 1 in 7 heterosexual couples in the UK will experience fertility issues, and data shows an increasing number of same sex couples seeking fertility treatment and single people to support them to conceive and create their family.
This amounts to a significant amount of people, all with varying and individual circumstances in their fertility journey. We know that whatever the reason for seeing fertility treatment, this can be both can be an exciting, but incredibly stressful time,
There are many fertility options available to single people, same sex couples and heterosexual couples, but the most used treatment options in the UK are; IUI, IVF and ICSI. These treatments are often invasive, at times painful and require injections, hormones, medication and invasive procedures.
There are also significant pressures around funding for fertility treatment. Depending on your postcode, you will receive different NHS funding options and within this, there are strict criteria that need to be met, which can exclude many people who are wanting to conceive a child. In the UK, currently, same sex couples do not receive NHS funding for fertility treatments, and there are limits on a couples; age, BMI, lifestyle and if there are any children between the couples previously.
There are significant physical and emotional impacts on all individuals struggling with infertility and/or engaging in fertility treatments.
Physical
Fertility treatments are naturally invasive, using hormone injections, medications and varying procedures which often require sedation. These have physical impacts such as side effects from medication, mood changes from medication and hormones and physical pain from pressures. This also frequently leads to time away from work or other commitments due to the physical elements of the treatments.
Emotional
The emotional toll of fertility and fertility treatments can be significant. For some people, there are barriers to even gain funding for treatment through the NHS and this can take its toll emotionally. People report weight being a significant barrier, and being told they need to lose weight before being able to access services. This is extremely difficult for some, such as with PCOS, a hormonal imbalance which causes both infertility and weight gain; women may be unable to access fertility treatment, due to weight gain, which is a symptom of their condition. For others, there are financial barriers – especially for same sex couples or single couples, where there are no fertility issues. This can often price people out of creating a family.
This not only affects individuals but places significant strain upon a couple, resulting in relationship issues where couples therapy could be supportive.
Key symptoms that are reported are; stress, loneliness, anxiety, fear, low mood, sadness, despair, hopelessness, uncertainty, tearfulness, pain. This can impact upon couples; more arguments, difficulties communicating.
Psychotherapy allows a space to explore the impact of your journey and develop strategies to cope with the journey, whatever the outcome. Therapy can help:
To better manage the symptom distress
Tools to support and improve relationship
Techniques to reduce stress and uncertainty.
At The Condition Management Company we have the skills and experience to support you, and to allow you to manage the impact and emotions you will inevitably experience considering treatment, whilst undergoing treatment or afterwards. We are here for you every step of the way.
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