See a counselor when your are having fertility treatmentSperm Injection
Investigations carried out by a family doctor or a specialist clinic can provide a clear diagnosis of male infertility in most cases(although no test can predict with total accuracy).Because The sperm characteristics required for ‘normal’ fertilisation are well known, any abnormal results from a sperm test will suggest a male problem.These tests, which are carried out on a semen sample can reveal abnormalities in sperm numbers, movement and shape.
In recent years, specialist infertility clinics have also used in vitro fertilisation as a diagnostic test. Very often, healthy eggs fail to fertilise in the laboratory because of abnormal sperm function. Failed IVF therefore can provide more conclusive evidence of ‘male factor’ infertility.
How Will I Know If I Need To See A Counsellor?
You may wonder whether or not you need to see a Counsellor when you are having fertility treatment. Some people think they may be perceived negatively if they seek help, or that they have to be very depressed before talking to a Counsellor. Sometimes just being able to talk about your anxieties and feelings can help to normalise them.
Some couples choose not to tell family and friends about their treatment which means you can feel quite isolated and alone. By the time couples undertake infertility treatment they have often been through quite an emotional journey, counseling may help facilitate a smoother transition throughout your treatment.
Common reactions to infertility may include anxiety, irritability, anger, sadness, crying, depression, loss of self-esteem, isolation, guilt, anger and relationship difficulties.
Counseling can help by providing a sensitive, respectful space to explore your concerns and learn strategies that can help you manage expectations and the stressful aspects of your treatment.
We know that men and women cope very differently with their infertility.
Each partner is likely to deal with feelings in different ways, which may make it harder to support one another. Counseling can help you to recognise and understand these differences, helping to enhance communication within your relationship. Sometimes, talking about your expectations of treatment, and each other can lead to more understanding and tolerance of your partner’s position.
For many couples, making the decision to start IVF is not an easy one. It is not unusual for people to feel let down, helpless or angry with their bodies. Your motivation and senses of purpose can be challenged. Work can seem irrelevant, and slowly you may find yourself feeling consumed by the infertility treatment. Counseling can provide information and resources that will help you develop coping strategies.
What Happens In Counselling?
The range of “counseling” available at Family Fertility Centre is as follows:
Pre-IVF Counseling/ Information Session
usually a single session that will assist you to prepare for treatment. Any concerns you may have about treatment, identifying the potential stressful aspects of treatment, a discussion of positive coping strategies, and the completion of the necessary consent forms.
Support Counseling
To provide you with additional support before, during, and /after treatment if and when necessary. For example, dealing with disappointment and grief, the stress of waiting, or anxieties.
Therapeutic Counseling
Available to those who have a need to explore issues and concerns in greater depth; for example, the impact of infertility and /or how treatment affects you, managing and balancing treatment demands within your life, your self-esteem, your relationship, anxiety, depression, the adjustment to pregnancy and parenting and postnatal depression.
Family Fertility Centre support options
Counseling is an integral part of the range of services available at the Family Fertility Centre. Counseling is provided for any health issues and infertility, and deal with the impact of treatment on both women and men.
Infertility is often difficult to manage and is exacerbated when it is prolonged, when there isn’t family or social support at hand, when there are other major stresses in your life, or when you have had other losses. The Counselors role is to provide a framework for you to explore your thoughts and feelings, to enhance your coping strategies, and to anticipate and assist in managing IVF treatment stresses