Infertility Therapy
Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after regular, unprotected sex for a year. It can affect people of all genders and is fairly common—about 15% of couples have difficulty conceiving. And of course, the ole’ biological clock ticks louder as we age. On average, women are waiting longer to try to start a family, due to investing in careers and difficulty finding the right partner.
There are numerous causes of infertility, but the truth is sometimes a cause can’t be pinpointed. It can be hard to feel like a failure and just as hard to not know what the issue is. Thankfully, science can help many (but not all) aspiring parents create the family they want with Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Same-sex couples also rely on ART to create the family of their dreams.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
ART includes freezing eggs, in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination (IUI), use of donor eggs and/or sperm, and utilizing a surrogate. But, it is a difficult process.
Because ART involves new and rapidly developing technologies, there are many different protocols and often a maddening lack of consensus among doctors. At times, and to a large extent, doctors are making very educated guesses at best. There is also a high amount of biological variability from cycle to cycle, so your body might respond very differently to the same protocol at different times. So much is beyond your control and yet this is something you want so badly.
Difficulties with ART can be particularly hard to tolerate for people who cope with anxiety by trying to be in control or people who struggle with uncertainty. Not to mention there’s additional anxiety about giving yourself or your partner shots, fear and anxiety about it not working, the physical and emotional side effects of hormones, and of course the expense and time commitment. Hopefully, ART is successful, but when it isn’t, it can be hard to decide when to stop and then grieve.
Infertility Therapy & Assisted Reproductive Technology
Infertility therapy provides support to those experiencing infertility and helps prepare them for ART (if ART is something they are considering pursuing). With the added infertility depression, anxiety, and overwhelm an infertility therapist aims to evaluate and develop plans tailored to a person’s specific challenges. This can include teaching effective coping skills during infertility counseling. Which is useful in dealing with waiting periods and disappointments. Along with other psychosocial interventions.
When Should You Start Infertility Therapy in Los Angeles?
If you are feeling/experiencing any of the following due to issues with Infertility or ART, you might benefit from infertility counseling.
Persistent feelings of sadness, grief, and/or infertility depression
Persistent feelings of worthlessness, self-blame, feelings of failure, and/or guilt
Increased anxiety and/or irritability
Mood swings
Changes in appetite, weight, or sleeping patterns or becoming obsessed with trying to have perfect self-care
Memory problems and/or brain fog
Difficulty tolerating uncertainty or deciding how to proceed
Isolation and/or loss of interest in usual activities or socializing
Relationship issues. Including but not limited to not being in agreement about what to do, increases in conflict, decreases in healthy communication, or difficulty with intercourse.
How can Infertility Therapy help?
Infertility Therapy at Well Woman Psychology:
Provides a safe space to feel and explore complex and conflicting emotions that come up when dealing with infertility. Such as anxiety, grief, anger, fear, and hope.
An infertility therapist provides you with support and accurate information each step of the way. So you can choose the best path for you.
Helps you find meaning in your experience and grieve at your own pace.
Teaches tools to help you advocate for yourself with your medical team and communicate with your partner. As well as solicit support, and cope in a healthy way.
Start Infertility Therapy in Los Angeles, CA
Whether you are considering your infertility options, in the process of using ART, or choosing to discontinue treatment Well Woman Psychology can provide you with support. As a Los Angeles infertility therapist, I will guide you through your infertility journey and give you the tools you need to handle the complicated emotions that are bound to arise. While it can be hard to reach out for additional support know that you are not alone. In order to get started with infertility therapy just follow these simple steps.
Reach out for a free consultation with a Los Angeles infertility therapist.
Schedule your first appointment at Well Woman Psychology.
Go through your infertility with guidance, support, and understanding.
Other Services I Offer in California
At my Manhattan Beach, CA-based therapy practice I am dedicated to supporting women and their unique mental health journey. Through online therapy, I provide support to anyone in California, Illinois, New York, and Washington. The mental health services I provide include body image therapy, sex therapy, EMDR, trauma therapy, and PTSD treatment in addition to therapy for relationship issues, miscarriage, pregnancy, and new moms. I look forward to connecting with you as an online therapist and helping your life a healthy and happy life.