IVF journey – how to cope with IVF emotional rollercoaster

All women trying to conceive with the help of assisted reproduction technologies will agree: the IVF journey is never easy, but it can be so rewarding that you forget about all the anxiety, sadness and stress once you hold that sweet baby of yours in your arms. The IVF success rates of the best fertility clinics are continuously improving. You should know that on average one in two women undergoing egg donation IVF will have a successful treatment. There are various factors that can lead to failure or success. Do not be discouraged if the first cycle on your IVF journey fails. Most women, with the support of their partners and husbands, keep on fighting for their dream baby: they travel to fertility clinics abroad to cut costs and have a successful outcome after their second or third IVF. Some IVF survivors-turned-bloggers like Scantily Dad or Cindy had even more than a few IUI and IVF cycles but are now happy mums and dads! It is more common than you think! There is loads of information online on how to prepare for IVF or how to find the best fertility clinic, however, there is little information advising women on how to cope with the IVF emotional roller coaster. For many patients, it can be a depressing and hopeless time. EggDonationFriends are aware of that. We have teamed up with Nina Leicht-Crist, an author, labour & birth assistant and happy mother to her IVF Miracle Baby, to give you some tips on how to deal with IVF stress.

1. Patience. You and your partner/husband decided together you wanted a baby. IVF with donor eggs is not a traditional method, but have patience and trust and your baby will come.
2. Emotions. Some carry them on their sleeve and others go quietly about it. Whatever your coping mechanism is, be ready to support each other’s emotions. Some women find blogging or being active on fertility forums helpful.
3. Respect. IVF cycles include a lot of hormones. A true emotional rollercoaster. All partners should understand that their female partner’s body and psyche have to endure a lot of invasion of privacy. Be respectful and hug her often; even if she seems a little crazy.
4. Support. Both of you had hopes and dreams, but when your IVF cycle is unsuccessful, you may feel like you wasted your money or time. You may feel like a failure because your body didn’t cooperate the way you wanted it. Don’t think about it this way. Think that it is another step that is bringing you closer to your dream goal. Now more than ever, support each other.
5. Love. IVF treatment produces many successful pregnancies. There are cases where the doctors cannot say for sure why your cycle didn’t work out this time. There are multiple factors involved. Keep loving each other and, most importantly, don’t place blame on one another.
6. Get professional help. If you feel the need, book an appointment with a fertility counselor, a therapist specialized in infertility patients. Talk to your clinic’s consultant, there might be a counsellor available there. If you worried about the cost, check with your health insurance company. They may cover all or a part of mental health treatments.

There are many ways you can work through your own problems you simply need to find those that suit you and your partner. Be strong and loving! There are many IVF support organizations that might be helpful on your IVF journey. You may want to check our list of Top 7 Infertility Support Organizations to Follow.