Infertility is considered to be a male or female reproductive-system disease due to the failure to conceive after 12 months or more of trying. Most women who are of marrying age are expected to produce and raise children. However, some women have infertility issues and often experience negative acceptance from society. With the constant pressure and stress of trying to get pregnant, these women have a higher risk of depression and anxiety. Facing the challenges of infertility leads to a lot of emotional and psychological consequences for infertile women. As society contributes to these feelings, some things should be considered.
Many couples struggle with the heartbreak of infertility. It might be a common issue nowadays, but it is not an open topic to discuss for some people. Infertility is a complicated issue to face that may be closely associated with depression and other mental health issues for those who have it. Some women who are undergoing fertility issues also experience different medical procedures that may trigger their depression and anxiety.
Emotional and Psychological Impacts on Women
Traumatic procedure
The trauma of not having biologically conceived children is very strong for both women and men as it is considered part of their family plans, and infertility can throw their vision into disarray. At the same time, experiencing societal pressure to have children can cause a great deal of guilt. In many ways, the sorrow brought by infertility is very similar to the grief felt by those who have lost a loved one.
Never-ending infertility workouts
Couples trying to conceive a baby during their fertility workouts need to wait for a positive pregnancy test each month. It is an emotional procedure that has to be endured each month. Those who are not pregnant must repeatedly go through the same infertility cycle, hoping that it will be positive the following month; this feeling is usually followed by depression and anxiety every time a negative pregnancy test appears.
Failed expectations
Infertility issues are not the same for every couple, and there may be many reasons why a couple cannot conceive or may never be able to conceive, while others do manage to conceive after a long time of undergoing medical interventions. However, no matter how the couple chooses infertility procedures, anxiety, depression, and grief occur if expectations fail.
Surviving with sorrow
The depression caused by failed infertility procedures and high financial costs on different cycle workouts may bring stress and even destroy relationships. The sorrow from financial loss and a long duration of longing for a child may damage the relationship and lead to depression.
Takeaway
Those who are currently battling with this same situation – dealing with infertility’s emotional and psychological effects – can find social support and understanding from other couples who also deal with the same situation.
A support system is needed and talking to a mental health professional can help eliminate the negative thoughts of infertility. Having open communication with your partner and establishing a stronger relationship with your friends and family will help you overcome your battle with depression and anxiety, and, eventually, you will find some balance of hope. It can help if you believe that nobody is alone and that you can always find people who will understand and accept that infertility does not degrade someone’s capability to enjoy life, even without conceiving a biological child.
Rona dela Rosa is the content manager of Psychreg. She is an Associate Professor at the Polytechnic College of the City of Meycauyan.
