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The Emotional Side of Infertility

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When you’re trying to conceive, it seems like everyone around you is having absolutely no problem getting pregnant. But, in reality 12-15% of couples are unable to conceive even after having unprotected sex for one year. After two years of trying, 10% of couples still struggle with adding to their family.

Knowing you’re not alone can be comforting, but it doesn’t take away the emotional impact of infertility. Whether you’re just beginning your fertility workup at California Center for Reproductive Health or are undergoing treatment, we recognize that the entire process can be stressful, emotional, and scary.

There are times you’ll feel lifted up by encouraging news and other times where disappointment takes hold. You may wonder why this is happening to you and feel overwhelmed by frustration and helplessness.

Here are some tips about how to manage the emotional rollercoaster of infertility. And, if you need help, please reach out. Our staff can recommend trusted providers in the area who can offer counseling and support as you go through infertility evaluations and treatments.

Remain hopeful

A large number of couples ultimately go on to have a healthy child after fertility treatment. At California Center for Reproductive Health, we offer the most advanced infertility treatments and assisted reproductive technology. You are in great hands with our team of specialists.

Accept grief

A diagnosis of infertility can feel devastating. Women who experience miscarriage or unsuccessful cycles rightfully feel loss and hopelessness. We can help you find a therapist to cope with loss and grief. Understand that your feelings are valid and that you may need time to process.

Educate yourself

Give yourself the power of knowledge. Once you know your diagnosis, learn as much as you can about it. Even if you have a diagnosis of unexplained infertility (which affects 15% of infertile couples), you can still learn a lot about your situation. Make a list of questions to bring to your appointments so you can be active in your own care.

Stay connected

Failing to share your emotional experiences, especially with your partner, can make you feel isolated. Reach out to family and friends to help you get through difficult moments.

Take care of yourself

Self-care is especially important at this time. That means different things to everyone. You might journal, do yoga, or immerse yourself in a hobby. Don’t deny yourself weekend getaways or a night out every once in a while. Giving yourself a chance to have a little fun can help you and your body relax.

Of course, continue to take care of your body by eating nutritious foods, exercising in moderation, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Trust that our team at California Center for Reproductive Health has your best interests in mind and wants to do everything possible to help you achieve the dream of a healthy, successful pregnancy.

We are here for you. Call one of our offices in Encino, Valencia, or West Hollywood, California, to set up an appointment. Or you can reach out via this website.

See Dr. Mor’s Publications

Eliran Mor, MD

Reproductive Endocrinologist located in Encino, Santa Monica, Valencia & West Hollywood, CA
Reproductive Endocrinologist located in Encino, Valencia & West Hollywood, CA Doctor Mor received his medical degree from Tel Aviv University-Sackler School of Medicine in Israel. He completed a four-year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. Subsequently, Dr. Mor completed a three-year fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility […]
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FAQ

What does a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist do?

Reproductive endocrinology and Infertility is a sub-specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology. In addition to managing medical and surgical treatment of disorders of the female reproductive tract, reproductive endocrinologist and infertility (REI) specialists undergo additional years of training to provide fertility treatments using assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in vitro fertilization.

Reproductive endocrinologists receive board certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in both Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

When should I see an REI specialist?

In general, patients should consider consulting with an REI specialist after one year of trying unsuccessfully to achieve pregnancy. The chance of conceiving every month is around 20%, therefore after a full year of trying approximately 15% of couples will still not have achieved a pregnancy.

However, if a woman is over the age of 35 it would be reasonable to see a fertility specialist earlier, typically after 6 months of trying.

Other candidates to seek earlier treatment are women who have irregular menses, endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), women who have had 2 or more miscarriages, or problems with the fallopian tubes (prior ectopic pregnancy).

What are the reasons we are having trouble conceiving?

Approximately 1/3 of the time cause for infertility is a female factor, 1/3 of the time a male factor, and the remaining 1/3 a couples’ factor.

At CCRH, we emphasize the importance of establishing a correct diagnosis. Both partners undergo a comprehensive evaluation including a medical history and physical exam.

Furthremore, the woman’s ovarian reserve is assessed with a pelvic ultrasound and a hormonal profile. A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) will confirm fallopian tube patency and the uterine cavity is free of intracavitary lesions. A semen analysis is also obtained to evaluate for concentration, motility, and morphology of the sperm.

Additional work up is then individualized to direct the best possible treatment option for each couple.

What is IVF? What is the process like?

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the process that involves fertilization of an egg outside of a woman’s body.

The process starts with fertility drugs prescribed to help stimulate egg development. In your natural cycle, your body is only able to grow one dominant egg, but with stimulation medication we can recruit multiple eggs to continue to grow. After about 8-10 days of stimulation, the eggs are surgically retrieved and then fertilized with sperm in a specialized laboratory. Fertilized eggs are then cultured under a strictly controlled environment within specialized incubators in the IVF laboratory for 3-5 days while they develop as embryos. Finally, embryos (or an embryo) are transferred into the uterine cavity for implantation.

Should I have IVF?

Before deciding if IVF is the right choice, it’s important to sit down with an REI specialist to discuss available treatment options. For some people, other methods such as fertility drugs, intrauterine insemination (IUI) may be the best first choice treatment. At CCRH, we believe each individual couple is unique and not everyone needs IVF.

Is the IVF procedure painful?

While not painful, the fertility medications may some side effects including headaches, hot flashes, mood swings, and bloating. The injection sites may also bruise.

Will IVF guarantee a baby?

Unfortunately, no. Many people think once they start IVF it’s a matter of time that they will be pregnant and have a baby. But according to national statistics per the Society of Assisted Reproduction (SART), on average 40% of assisted reproduction cycles achieve live births in women under age 35. The chances of success then continue to decrease with advancing age.

At CCRH, we employ only evidence-based interventions to ensure patient safety and optimal outcome. While we cannot guarantee a baby, we guarantee that you will receive the best, most advanced, personalized care to help you maximize your chance of a baby.

What is the success rate for IVF?

The average IVF success rate (success measured in live birth rate) using one’s own eggs begins to drop around age 35 and then rapidly after age 40. This is due to the decline in egg quantity and egg quality as a woman ages.

Our clinic’s success rate consistently beats the national average year after year.

Do insurance plans cover infertility treatment? How much does IVF cost?

Individual insurance plans often do not have any coverage for infertility treatments. If you have a group plan, you can call members services to see if they have coverage for infertility (including consultation/workup and IVF).

After your consultation with our REI specialist, one of our dedicated account managers with sit with you to go over the cost of treatment.

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