The Emotional Toll of Infertility on Women

Are you struggling to get pregnant? Do you feel inadequate? Are you tired of the questions and pressure? Many women struggling with infertility feel stigmatized and inadequate. Though infertility can affect the couple as a unit, it usually impacts women much harder. Men often want to have children and become fathers. But, many women see motherhood as a necessary part of their identity as they grow in life. Women often feel responsible for not getting pregnant. As a result, they carry the burden as if it is their "fault." Infertility in women can result in feelings of:

• Guilt
• Insecurity
• Frustration
• Sadness
• Anxiety
• Anger
• And depression

How Infertility Affects Relationships

Many couples see having a child as a significant milestone that can strengthen their relationship. So, it's no surprise that stress begins to build in the relationship after all the attempts at trying to conceive fall short. Soon worry, frustration, and sadness begin to grow. Often, partners begin to blame themselves or each other. Seeing friends begin to have children in addition to the well-meaning (but annoying) questions from parents and in-laws further compounds a couple's struggle. In many cases, couples have to go to couples counseling to work out the emotional stress infertility causes.

The Stress of Infertility Treatment on Women

Couples can often grow weary of "trying" on their own with no pregnancy. When this occurs, they begin to look with fervent hope at the various treatment options. Men undergo testing for infertility. But, women usually go through more rigorous and invasive testing methods. As soon as possible causes are determined, and your doctor discusses treatment options. Then, you find yourself grasping for even more hope of getting pregnant. Some women become pregnant soon after treatment. But, many struggle to get pregnant even with many medical interventions. When this happens, it can increase feelings of low self-worth and high anxiety. As well as hopelessness, frustration, and depression.

Psychological Symptoms of Infertility

Infertility is such a difficult experience. So, it is important to recognize the symptoms that come with it. These are some of the psychological symptoms associated with infertility:

• Depression
• Mood swings
• Feelings of unworthiness
• Guilt
• Marriage problems
• Change in weight or appetite
• Constant obsessing about infertility
• Low libido
• Sexual dysfunction (scheduling sex)
• Feeling stigmatized
• Difficulty focusing or concentrating
• Sleep problems

How Infertility Counseling in Atlanta, GA Can Help

It is important for women struggling with infertility to know that there is help! An expert psychotherapist is very sensitive to, and informed about, all the dynamics associated with infertility. You should know that many therapists specialize in infertility counseling. An infertility therapist can help you sort through how your specific circumstances and a particular set of emotions need to be treated. Great care is taken to see you as an individual and not lump you in with a one-size-fits-all approach.

Your infertility therapist can help you process what bringing a little one into the world ultimately means to you. They can help you understand how to navigate through the wave of pressure you feel all around you. By working together, you can find ways to move forward. Infertility counseling can allow you to get to the heart of what is causing you pain. By doing so, you can find new meaning and hope.

If you are stuck and would like to receive counseling for infertility, contact us today!

1. Contact North Atlanta Psychotherapy

2. Meet with a caring therapist

3. Start finding the right support in addressing infertility

Other Services Offered with North Atlanta Psychotherapy

Infertility counseling in Atlanta, GA isn't the only service our team of therapists offers. We are also happy to also offer depression therapy, anxiety therapy, play therapy, and grief counseling. We also provide support for men, couples, teens, and children. Feel free to also learn more about how we can support those with bipolar disorder and OCD, or visit our blog to learn more today!