Infertility

Having a baby. You (or you and your partner) make the decision that you are ready to try. You wait with bated breath each month, only to be met with yet another negative pregnancy test.

Infertility may mean having to navigate numerous medical decisions, asking yourself "Did I make the right choice?" each step of the way. You may blame yourself and ask "What did I do wrong?"

Infertility can result in significant feelings of loss: loss of control, loss of expectations, loss of your sense of self. And you may feel all alone, even if you have a supportive partner.

Infertility is a disease. And similar to other serious medical conditions, the crisis of infertility can have a lasting impact on your emotional health.

You may experience a roller coaster of emotions with every passing month, with every doctor visit, and with every pregnancy and birth announcement from friends and family and on social media. Your emotions are valid. And you deserve support.

 

How can counseling help?

Emotional ups and downs are a part of infertility treatment. Feeling overwhelmed at times is a perfectly normal response.

However, if you experience any of the following symptoms over a prolonged period of time, you may benefit from counseling:

  • loss of interest in usual activities

  • depression that doesn't lift

  • strained interpersonal relationships (with partner, family, friends and/or colleagues)

  • difficulty thinking of anything other than your infertility

  • high levels of anxiety

  • diminished ability to accomplish tasks

  • difficulty with concentration

  • change in your sleep patterns (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, early morning awakening, sleeping more than usual for you)

  • change in your appetite or weight (increase or decrease)

  • increased use of drugs or alcohol

  • thoughts about death or suicide

  • social isolation

  • persistent feelings of pessimism, guilt, or worthlessness

  • persistent feelings of bitterness or anger

Third Party Reproduction

The decision to use donor egg, donor sperm, or donor embryo to build your family is very personal. And complex.

For donor recipients, a psychoeducational consultation with a trained reproductive mental health professional is in keeping with the guidelines and recommendations from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and is required by by most reproductive endocrinologists and fertility clinics.

This consultation is an opportunity to explore your thoughts and feelings, ask questions and discuss concerns, and receive information to help you navigate this unique path to parenthood. This consultation is NOT about determining your fitness to be a parent.

Some of the topics addressed during counseling include:

  • Emotional readiness in using a donor to build your family

  • Feelings about the loss of a genetic connection to your child

  • Whether, when, and how to tell your child their birth story

  • Choosing a donor - known vs unknown

  • Appropriate expectations, boundaries and healthy communication with open/known donors.

Recipients of egg, sperm, and embryo donation typically participate in one 75 minute session. In the case of a known donor, additional sessions will be scheduled.

I also offer evaluation services for prospective egg and sperm donors.