Stress Management During Infertility Series -2 by Dr Pankaj Talwar

Some may find that starting treatment is a positive experience but others may feel very disappointed that they have to face intervention.
Most women may fear the actual process but waiting for results is often the most difficult part of treatment.
Days seem to pass very slowly and it can be a time of acute vulnerability and sensitivity.
You may argue with or avoid your partner and your daily routine may be affected.
IVF is not a single event but rather a series of steps or hurdles where each stage has to be crossed before tackling the next one. This is a very tiring process.
If IVF fails it leads to double disappointment because it means again having to decide what to do. So it can be sad and frustrating.

You may feel more vulnerable, sad, anxious or angry than usual.
Take less interest in things that you previously enjoyed.
Stay in more and avoid situations where you encounter small babies and pregnant friends.
Arguing with partner over trivial issues.
Flare up at your friends over little things they have said.

Responses to the medications used to stimulate the ovaries during IVF vary enormously.
Some women have no symptoms while others feel emotional and much more prone to tears, anxiety, and irritability.
Some feel uncomfortable with bloating, headaches, tiredness and other symptoms.

Ask questions to the doctors, counsellors, and clear all your doubts about the procedure and likely outcome.
Better not to tell too many people when you are undergoing treatment.
Pace yourself and have breaks between cycles.
Try to plan treatment when there are no other stressful situations in life.
Try to keep life in balance and don’t let IVF take over every month.