In vitro fertilisation (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology (ART) that helps couples with infertility or genetic problems have babies. It works by taking an egg from a woman and sperm from a man, combining them at an IVF laboratory, and implanting them in a woman’s uterus.
While it’s a chance for the couple to have children, the IVF procedure is complex and involves many risks, typically affecting women. Apart from physical stress from preparing for pregnancy and childbirth, soon-to-be mothers also experience emotional strain that can negatively influence their daily lives and relationships with others.
In this article, we’ve rounded up how IVF impacts women’s mental health.
Mood Swings from Fertility-Boosting Drugs
Fertility-boosting drugs, such as Letrozole and Clomid, often have side effects that fluctuate women’s hormones. These include hot flashes, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and weight gain. It also triggers mental health illnesses, such as mood fluctuations and depression.
In the worst-case scenario, these drugs may also cause women to develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). It’s a condition where the egg is released quickly, causing the ovary to swell and leak fluid into the body, usually into the abdomen (belly).
Aside from the swelling of the abdomen, OHSS can also cause bloating and nausea. If it’s severe, it can result in vomiting, dehydration, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, and blood clots are possible. If left untreated, organ damage and even death (rare events) are possible.
Hopelessness
The success rate of an IVF on the first try is approximately 55%. Despite this, many women still fail after their first IVF, and not everyone can cope with the negative result. Research shows that a failed IVF cycle increases women’s levels of anxiety, depression, and stress.
Additionally, many women avoid opening up about their difficulties with failed IVF. It’s mainly due to how stressful or painful it’s for them to talk about them. They may avoid it to keep a better mental state in preparation for the next IVF cycle, or they don’t have the courage or will to do so.
They might also think nobody can understand what they’re going through, not even their loved ones. When their mood is like this, family members trying to comfort them might cause them more distress.
Financial Stress
IVF treatments are costly. In the UK, they can cost up to £5,000 or more per IVF cycle. This doesn’t include all costs yet, such as fees for stimulation medication and blood and virology screening.
There are other parts of Europe that have fertility treatments offered at more affordable prices, typically between £3,000 to £4,000 per IVF cycle. These include Greece, Turkey, Denmark, Spain, and the Czech Republic.
While the National Health Service (NHS) across England and Wales works to provide the same levels of the provision of IVF treatment, it still varies across the country. Typically, it depends on local NHS integrated care boards (ICBs) policies.
Although some countries may offer IVF at an affordable price, having enough personal funds is still needed. Statistics show that people who undergo IVF treatment pay an average of £13,730.
The problem is that 78% go into debt to finance their IVF treatment. This caused 70% of them to experience financial trauma. In general, the most common emotional reactions they feel when discussing IVF costs are stress, discomfort, and nervousness.
Anxiety from Initial Treatment
The cost of IVF treatment isn’t the only part that causes stress. The initial IVF treatment can be really stressful for those who’ll undergo it, and it may increase when the other parts of the treatments unexpectedly go south.
For example, unforeseen complications may take place that need additional treatments. The fear of these situations and their worrying extra costs can overwhelm those who may undergo IVF treatment.
Relationship Stress
Throughout IVF treatment, resentment by both partners may take place. For example, women may feel unsupported, or their partners may think their efforts aren’t appreciated. Other women may also think that the treatment has taken their once-normal life, which may cause them to end the treatment and their relationship with their partners.
Where to Get Support for Mental Well-Being During IVF?
Apart from your loved ones, many resources can support you during your IVF journey. Specifically, many organisations or groups can help you support your mental health, such as the following websites:
- Fertility Network UK
- Fertility Fairness
- Loved by Parents
- Channel Mum
- Fertility Road
These reassuring forums can give you access to many IVF journeys of women and men. Apart from these online resources, fertility clinics offer opportunities to let you talk to professional counsellors who can help you give you pregnancy, relationship, and family advice.
Final Thoughts
The success of an IVF treatment isn’t certain, so having doubts about it is understandable. However, when they’re already uncontrollable, there are accessible and affordable non-pharmacological therapies you can take advantage of, such as relaxation exercises (yoga, guided meditations, and mindfulness exercises) and counselling, especially if you’re already pregnant. Remember, you’re not alone, and you can get through IVF.
