Infertility is something that many couples across the country deal with. According to statistics from the US Department of Health and Human Services, about 11% of women and 9% of men who are at the reproductive age have experienced some sort of fertility issue. For those who desperately want to start a family, it can be an extremely difficult time, filled with all kinds of different feelings and emotions.

Many couples choose to take the next step and look into IVF, or in-vitro fertilization as a solution. While this can result in a healthy full-term pregnancy, it’s not to say it is without its own share of stress, anxiety, and worry. How can couples cope during this time? How can they protect and look after their mental and physical well-being during IVF treatments? Here are some useful tips and advice that can be used.

Choose an IVF Clinic that Makes You Feel Comfortable

The first tip for couples who will be setting out on an IVF journey is to be really picky about the clinic they choose. Reputable ones, such as MCRM Fertility, offer many different in vitro fertilization or IVF options for couples. They don’t look at IVF treatments as a medical procedure but as a chance to help couples build a family. It’s that personal approach that can help set couples’ minds at ease, and help to decrease the level of stress and worry they are under.

A caring and understanding approach is essential in picking the “right” clinic for your in-vitro fertilization treatments.

Understand that Hormonal Changes Can Have a Real Effect

It’s also important to understand that the fertility drugs you are taking can really cause a rollercoaster of emotions. That doesn’t mean you should discount or ignore how you feel, it’s just important to remember that your feelings will be heightened during this time so it’s important friends and family show love and support.

Be Realistic with Your Expectations

No-one wants to hear that after trying fertility treatments they aren’t successful, but at the same time it’s important couples are realistic with their expectations. It’s okay to hope for the very best, but it’s also important to accept that it may not be the case. It may be useful to speak to a counselor during this time to help you work through the feelings you will experience. There will be plenty of ups and downs.

Do Things for Yourself

This is also a great time to be mindful of your own physical and mental health and do things that benefit it. That could mean taking up a hobby, being more physically active, giving yourself permission to just relax, and making sure you get together with friends to have that social connection.

The Stress is Normal and It Is Valid

Feeling stress and anxiety during this time is perfectly natural and normal. It’s also important you don’t just excuse it away, as you have every right to feel the emotions you’re feeling. Finding ways to cope in a healthy manner will help you to make it through this time.