I am frequently hearing from my clients their concerns about doing IUI or IVF are primarily because of the stress it puts you through emotionally and physically. Most of these concerns are a result of what others have experienced and have either shared with these women or posted online somewhere. In my experience we are more likely to hear the horror stories rather than the good ones. So I am writing this post to discuss how to keep your head screwed on straight during the treatment cycle and how to have a positive experience. You may be thinking, yeah right that’s not possible. But it really is and from personal experience with IVF recently you can do it!
First word of advice is to not compare yourself to anyone else who is going through or has gone through IUI/IVF. We all have different reactions to medications and no one’s experience is identical to another. Also we tend to follow in people footsteps when we hear about how badly it went for them. We then anticipate a horrible experience, work ourselves up and therefore, have a horrible experience. So avoid chat boards with negative stories and avoid getting other peoples opinion other than your Dr. or therapist.
Next I would suggest to make sure you are getting the support you need. That may be going to a support group or getting your own individual therapy in order to have a place to process your anxiety. Getting the fears and anxieties off your chest can make for a much easier experience and being able to connect with others in a group is extremely validating.
Focus on the miracle you are making everyday rather than the negative aspects of the medication or the fact that you have to resort to extreme measures to achieve pregnancy. It’s a miracle how far fertility treatments have come and some of us would never have the opportunity to get pregnant if it wasn’t was the advancement in science. So remember how lucky you are to even be able to get to take advantage of it…some people just can’t afford it and therefore their journey stops there.
Take care of yourself whether that would be giving yourself time to be alone and read a book, take a nap, go for a run, or get acupuncture. Make sure you are doing something for yourself daily and it can be just taking 20 minutes to focus on your breathe….just make sure you do something. This is the time to baby yourself and enjoy your body and the miracles it brings you on a daily basis.
Again this doesn’t have to be the worst experience ever. I wouldn’t sign up for it as a good time, but I don’t think it has to be dreaded and you definitely don’t want to go into this IUI/IVF experience thinking you will fall apart. Good luck to you all, you are true warriors and what great parents you will be after going through this journey! Be proud of yourselves!
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