DR. K.D.NAYAR* M.D.,D.G.O.,DIP.OBST.(IRELAND)
Desire to have a child is so deeply rooted in our society that inability to bear children burden the couple not only on the physical & financial aspect but also on emotional front. As if the diagnosis and the treatment weren’t difficult enough, the emotional turmoil surrounding infertility- while perfectly normal is yet another source of anxiety and stress. Most couples experience the struggle in much the same way. It’s a big challenge for the concerned physicians who are treating the couple as well as for relatives & friends to help them cope with their emotional problems during this difficult period.
What is the definition of infertility?
A couple can be considered as infertile only when after one year of regular, unprotected intercourses they fail to achieve pregnancy.
Initial state of denial or shock
Most couples have tried to conceive on their own over a period of months or even years, the ultimate diagnosis of infertility usually brings disbelief or shock for them. According to Dr.( Mrs) Poonam Nayar, Ph.D., Consultant Psychologist at Akanksha IVF Centre in New Delhi, the first question that arises in their mind is “How could I be infertile when there is no other health problem?”. This is usually followed by feeling of anger & depression. They may feel angry at their partner, at friends & family members, at God or even at medical profession for not caring enough or not finding an immediate solution of their problem’ Many individuals & couples may find it exceedingly difficult to discuss their problem openly with others. Seeing other people conceiving effortlessly & moving on with their lives brings the sense of isolation.
Who is to be blamed for?
In our Indian society, mostly the woman is blamed first but everyone should know the fact that infertility is a problem of a couple, not of an individual. In general population, infertility affects 20 % couples. Among infertile couples, the problem lies in male partner in 40%-50% cases, in 30%-40% of cases female partner can have some cause and in 20%-30 % cases both can suffer from some problem .15% couples can have more than one cause of infertility, so series of tests & investigations are required and it may take a few months to find out the exact cause of infertility. And above all this, some couples suffer from unexplained infertility where no cause can be found out even after all investigations During this time some people loose their patience and change their doctors frequently in order to get immediate results.
How does infertility affects couple’s relationship
Strain on marriage is the greatest stress of infertility. These people mainly go through anger, isolation, depression & guilt. When anger is directed at one partner it can be especially destructive for the relationship.
Stress during Infertility
Researches have now begun to consider the hormonal changes that occur in human body during stress. There are studies which correlate stress with infertility. The prolonged & difficult period of treatment may result in stress that may have an adverse affect on fertility. Yoga or any other form of de-stressing exercises are very beneficial during infertility treatment.
When do you need help of Professional Counsellor
What should be done!
Ideally the treatment should be done in a fully equipped infertility centre where along with thorough checkup, adequate counseling can be provided to the couples. The treating physician & staff must provide support to these couples, although the efforts can be quite time consuming but a patient conversation with such couple help them understand the magnitude of their problem and time required for the treatment. However, a Clinical Psychologist & Counsellor can help a couple when they are:
New rays of hope
With the advent of ART (Assisted Reproductive Technologies) a new hope has arisen for many couples who had earlier limited parenting options. IUI, IVF, ICSI, Sperm & Egg donations, Surgical sperm recovery, Surrogacy services and Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis has now opened new doors for them. But again the financial aspect, limited success rates, medical risks & many legal & ethical issues with different techniques, need to be discussed openly with patients.
*CHIEF CONSULTANT INFERTILITY & IVF, AKANKSHA IVF CENTRE,
MATA CHANAN DEVI HOSPITAL
www.akankshaivfcentre.com
Mob:- +91-9810398765