There may be times before or during treatment that you may feel emotional or stressed, or feel like there are times when there is nobody you can talk to who understands what you are going through.
Direct relationships between stress and infertility have not been established. Some people conceive at times of high stress in their lives, while others will respond with ovulation disorders or a decreased libido. However, improving your overall health and wellbeing, and trying to minimise stress in your life, can only help while undergoing treatment.
IVF and trying to achieve a pregnancy
Many patients have found the support of Melbourne IVF counsellors throughout treatment an invaluable source of strength. The team of counsellors are experienced in helping individuals and couples deal with difficult emotions and situations and we encourage you to access this service at any stage throughout your treatment.
Supportive counselling
Supportive counselling can help by:
- Preparing for fertility treatments and exploring options/implications when making decisions about commencing, changing or stopping treatments
- Working on relationship issues that may arise as a result of treatment or may be impacting on treatment
- Dealing with the emotional impact of treatment
- Coping with unsuccessful treatment cycles and/or pregnancy losses
- Developing coping strategies for dealing with other people's pregnancies, births and children
- Discussing reactions of families, friends and work colleagues and developing strategies for dealing with these reactions
- Exploring strategies to help feel more in control
- Discussing the anxieties of pregnancy and preparation for parenthood
- Dealing with the specific issues related to donor treatment cycles
The counselling team also provide a range of lifestyle workshops and support groups to help you and your partner throughout treatment. Two groups include a Donor Egg Mothers Group and Single Mothers Group.
Donor counselling
In addition to supportive counselling, it is a Victorian legal requirement for all couples undertake an appointment with a counsellor before commencing IVF or donor gamete (egg or sperm) treatment, to sign consent forms and to ensure that all the social, ethical and legal implications have been considered. Consent forms are signed at these appointments.
Genetic Counselling
Some people require IVF or donor gamete treatment because they, or members of their family, have a specific genetic disease. The counsellors are able to discuss the options available to the couple and the implications arising from each form of treatment. Those having PGD treatment are also required to see one of the genetic counsellors.
Read more about the counselling team at Melbourne IVF.
Counselling appointments for all Melbourne IVF locations can be made through East Melbourne on (03) 9473 4444.