Psychotherapy in infertility treatments

The difficulty in having children, in cases where there is a clear desire to have them, is one of the most difficult situations that a couple must face. In addition, it is usual that going to an assisted reproduction center entails high levels of emotional suffering, along with the appearance of feelings of anguish, loss and frustration.

For all these reasons and because of the complex relationships that exist between psychological factors and fertility, makes necessary the figure of the psychologist in assisted reproduction centers in order to offer a psychological support during infertility treatments.

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Objectives of psychological support in infertility treatments

Regardless of the theoretical framework within which the accompaniment or intervention is carried out, the final objective of said psychological accompaniment is help the patient, or patients, to achieve a better quality of life and mental health.

Regardless of the type of psychological support that is ultimately offered to the patient, it is advisable that all patients attend the first visit with the clinician. And in the case of being a couple treatment, come with them.

The goal of any psychological counseling is to ensure that patients understand the scope of their treatment options, receive sufficient emotional support and are able to cope with the consequences of the experience of infertility treatment.

The techniques used within the therapeutic intervention They focus on the following aspects:

• Facilitate the expression of emotions.
• Identify the cause of the emotional difficulty.
• Educate the person or couple on infertility, making sure they have enough information to make a decision about treatment.
• Intervene to minimize the effects of stress and help patients correctly manage coping strategies.

Who is the psychological support for?

Recent studies indicate that between 25-65% of patients who attend infertility centers present several psychological symptoms that are significant, these being mainly related to the anxiety.

It is necessary to establish correct guidelines that allow detect those symptoms that denote the need for a psychological approach, and classify which patients require the accompaniment of a professional in psychology during infertility treatment.

There are a number of factors that can predict a poor adjustment of patients to assisted reproduction treatment. Among these factors are the personal characteristics of the patient, their social situation and treatment-related factors such as the side effects it may have on the person.

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Most common problems and treatment

The most common conditions in the population with infertility problems include adjustment disorder, anxiety states, depressive moods, couple problems, refusal to go to psychotherapy for infertility, and coping with the results or the end of treatment.

1. adjustment disorder

This disorder is characterized by the appearance of emotional symptoms such as anxiety or depression, behavioral symptoms such as changes in behavior, or symptoms that arise in response to an external stressor such as job loss, financial problems, etc.

Symptoms manifest as follows:

• Discomfort in response to the stressor.
• Significant impairment of social activity, family, work or academic.

Although these types of disorders generate a high degree of discomfort, they do not prevent the person from continuing with their daily routines. Generally, it is the couple, social or family relationships that are most affected.

Psychological intervention in infertile patients will be carried out depending on the symptoms that they present. Likewise, it will also address, independently, the difficulties in the relationship.

2. states of anxiety

Cognitive and behavioral techniques for managing anxiety and self-control are very useful both for patients who are within the process, as well as for later coping with situations stressful.

Other somatic or psycho-physiological alterations derived from anxiety states such as eating disorders, sleep disorders or fatigue, as well can be treated by physiological activation control techniques; as well as through relaxation techniques.

The types of intervention recommended for this type of alteration are:

• Progressive muscle relaxation techniques.
• Training in social skills and assertive behavior techniques.
• Couple therapy.
• sex therapy.
• Programming of rewarding activities.

3. depressed mood

Depression seems to be the most frequent emotional problem that people suffer when they learn of their infertility, and after failed attempts at treatment. These problems tend to occur more in women than in men., which show a greater predisposition to present repressed anxiety problems.

The first step is to normalize and legitimize the feelings and emotions that overwhelm the couple, making them understand that most of the people who are in their situation feel the same as they.

solution-focused therapy It has been established as an affective therapy when it comes to working on the negative emotions associated with these processes, both individually and as a couple.

4. couple problems

During the first contacts with patients, it is necessary that the professional values ​​the levels of communication and the strategies for the resolution of conflicts that couples have. Likewise, you should explore what type of defense mechanism each one is using to deal with the situation, and thus identify the dysfunctional aspects of said mechanisms.

Within the framework of therapy, they will be taught to expose their pain and their needs, as well as to listen and attend to the concerns of their partner.

Communication within the couple may be affected during treatment. It is common that the feelings of one do not reach the other, keeping the emotions with the possible intention of protecting the couple. However, this lack of communication can increase feelings of anxiety and guilt, and generate greater tension in the relationship.

5. Patients who reject psychological intervention

Due to high levels of stress, these people may refuse to go to a psychologist or accept any type of psychological help. Many of these patients do not recognize the need to go to therapy.

The function of the psychologist in these cases will be to make patients aware of the psychological effects that assisted reproduction therapies have on the person and the couple's relationship.

6. Coping with the results or the end of treatment

For some patients, the failure of infertility treatments can lead to an existential crisis with strong emotional reactions. These patients, especially those with causeless infertility, they come to believe that their sterility has a psychological origin.

The psychologist must be aware that the affliction due to unsuccessful infertility treatment is difficult to overcome. And it should encourage patients to seek professional, family and social support.

Once the couple decides to end the reproductive treatments, must build a new identity as childless couples. And for this it is convenient to reevaluate the foundations of your relationship. It is possible that in the face of this new situation certain issues that were not previously so important become relevant, generating new difficulties in the relationship.

As a solution, they will have to discuss their priorities as a couple for the future, and remember the current reasons for continuing to function as a couple without children. One option is to see this new situation as a possibility of greater independence and privacy as a couple.