Counseling for Infertility

While it was comforting to hear your spouse vow to be there for you “in sickness and in health” at the beginning of your life together, there are some trials in life that will definitely test these vows. Infertility is such a problem, as it not just a physical condition, it has many disturbing emotional implications. It brings a sense of helplessness, that may branch out to guilt, resentment and anxiety and may get even worse as you undergo treatment or sign up for in vitro fertilization, or IVF. This is why any infertility treatment should include counseling in emotional aspects, as well.

Counseling for infertility is for both husband and wife, to keep their relationship smooth and their communication lines open during this difficult period. It may even begin from diagnosis, as investigating infertility is already a distressing process. Even if only one of the couple starts out with a negative attitude towards the infertility diagnosis, the other will eventually be affected as the burden of infertility necessarily overcomes both partners. Getting counseling for infertility will address the issues between the couple, prevent them from blaming and resenting each other, and illuminate points wherein each spouse can further help in fertility treatment.

Infertility counselors are often psychiatrists who specialize in sex therapy, as details in the couple’s sex lives will also come into discussion. It is easier to speak to a sex therapist about intimate details; they specialize in lessening the degree of awkwardness and allow you to open up without embarrassment. The couple’s sexual relationship is greatly affected by infertility. Self-esteem is lost due to an inability to conceive, and when fertility treatments start, hormone injections will also affect sex drives and cooperation between spouses. These fluctuating hormonal levels in the wife will also necessitate more counseling, as other issues, valid or otherwise, will arise.

Aside from emotional and psychological disturbance, couples may seek counseling for other issues related to infertility, including social and financial matters. Infertility is a social issue in the sense that family and close-degree relatives tend to impinge on what is supposed to be a private matter, believing it their concern for the couple’s well-being. Treatment for infertility is not inexpensive and the couple must also be aware of what they’re getting into financially, as well.

Of course, counseling for infertility is not inexpensive either. However, many fertility clinics and facilities will upfront recommend counseling to any couple diagnosed with infertility, as the benefits have proven to be most helpful. Also, couples can attest to infertility counseling as a major lifeline during infertility treatment and diagnosis. They will also affirm that since infertility counseling is not a long-term affair, the short-term expense is compensated by the long-term benefits.

Additionally, there are several infertility treatment grants available for infertility treatment and accompanying counseling. Usually non-profit organizations, these may also offer grants to couples who have no infertility insurance or are unable to financially proceed with treatments. Counselors may also determine which grants will best suit your needs and even help you apply for these grants.

While we don’t think of infertility in the bit about “in sickness and in health,” it is a very real, albeit quite extreme possibility for any couple. Counseling for infertility opens communication, strengthens relationships and helps to find a workable solution for your infertility problems.

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